Doctoral Dissertation

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Family Sciences

Alexander T. Vazsonyi

Historically, Black couples have not been studied within the context of their lived experiences as it relates to the effects of racism on relationship health. Only in the last decade have relationship scholars begun to consistently link racism-related stressors to relationship processes and outcomes. Despite the growing literature, recent studies are primarily quantitative in method and rely on samples, theoretical models, and measures that predominantly represent White couples’ experiences. It remains unclear how Black couples’ perceptions of love and relationship coping lead to resilient outcomes despite the negative effects of racism.

Therefore, the goal of the present study is to explore how Black couples perceive Black Love and relationship coping in the context of their lived experiences with racism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven heterosexual couples (14 individuals) wherein both partners identified as Black or African American and at least one partner reported experiencing racism within the past six weeks. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze and code themes that emerged from interviews with couples.

Results of the analysis revealed the central theme, A Safe Place. The frequently used phrase during interviews, “safe place,” referred to how Black couples made sense of their partner, the relationship, and their home, adopting adaptive ways of thinking and coping that were integral to loving through experiences with racism. Four major themes were identified: (1) Experiences and Impact of Racism, (2) Coping with Racism, (3) Black Love and Identity, and (4) Healing Advice. Twelve additional subthemes also emerged across the four major themes. Future directions for continued research and clinical implications are provided for family science professionals.

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.171

Doctoral Dissertation Grant by Mental Research Institute

University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science D.R.E.A.M. Scholars Fellowship Program