A qualitative exploration of the experience of stress and relationship resilience in interracial relationships
Abstract
The purpose of the present exploratory and descriptive qualitative study was to investigate the types of stressors heterosexual, married, interracial couples experience over the course of their relationship, the types of resources and coping skills they turn to in managing these stressors, the meanings they attribute to their experience of stress and their relationship, and the impact of these factors on their relationship quality and resilience. In-depth interviews with six female individuals and thirteen couples in interracial relationships yielded the findings for this study. Family ecology theory and family stress theory guided the grounded theory methodology used in the study. Participants described the kinds of stressors they had experienced over the course of their relationship that included stressors typical to all married couples and several stressors that were unique to interracial couples. Participants also described in detail the types of resources and coping skills they utilized to manage both the general stressors and the stressors unique to interracial relationships. Although many of the participants attributed positive meanings to the experience of stress and to the experience of being in an interracial relationship, they also demonstrated a need to be perceived as not only the same as any other married couples but also as being unique because of their interracial relationship experience. Stressors unique to interracial couples included cultural and racial differences and issues, lack of family support at the onset of the relationship, lack of social support, and the challenges of raising biracial children. Participants descriptions of resources and coping skills that they turned to for the management of all stressors were not easily categorized as unique and general as there were many resources and coping skills that could be used to manage all types of stressors and not just those unique to interracial relationships. However, some resources and coping skills such as a network of friends, other interracial couples, choosing diverse contexts, and participants' spouses, and humor seemed to be more helpful than others in managing some of the specific stressors that interracial couples might experience.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Thomas, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology
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