Stressors of Interracial Versus Intraracial Relationships (2015)

Undergraduates: Emma Rich, NA Lori Hoggard NA

Faculty Advisor: Enrique Neblett
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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Interracial relationships have become more common in the United States over the last fifty years; the number of interracial marriages increased from 157,000 in 1960 to 1,674,000 in 2002. Even though these numbers are increasing, as of 2003 only 64% of Americans approved of interracial marriages. The following study investigates whether individuals in interracial relationships report higher levels of stress and depression and lower levels of relationship commitment than those in intraracial relationships and if these higher levels of stress and depression will be mediated by racial discrimination faced when with their partner and because they will experience less social support from friends, family, and society because of their relationship. A survey was distributed via email to 29 individuals who identified as members of an interracial relationship and 39 individuals in a same-race relationship. This survey included questions about relationship investment, relationship with family and friends, perceived discrimination, and stress and depression levels. Preliminary results show no correlation between relationship investment and type of relationship, nor a correlation between family and friend relationships and type of relationship. There was, however, a significant difference in perceived discrimination between types of couples. Overall findings do not support the hypotheses however this could be due to the sample that was surveyed. Implications of findings are discussed.