Premium
Marital Satisfaction Among African Americans and Black Caribbeans: Findings From the National Survey of American Life *
Author(s) -
Bryant Chalandra M.,
Taylor Robert Joseph,
Lincoln Karen D.,
Chatters Linda M.,
Jackson James S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2008.00497.x
Subject(s) - ethnic group , life satisfaction , black women , psychology , marital status , demography , population , diversity (politics) , gerontology , medicine , social psychology , political science , sociology , gender studies , law
This study examines the correlates of marital satisfaction using data from a national probability sample of African Americans ( N = 962) and Black Caribbeans ( N = 560). Findings reveal differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans, and men and women within those groups, in the predictors of marital satisfaction. Black Caribbean women reported overall higher levels of marital satisfaction than African American women. The findings amply demonstrate the significance of ethnic diversity within the Black population in the United States. Difficulties with finances (budgeting, credit issues, and debt management) are one of the key issues that generate conflict in marriages; stress generated as a result of financial problems can lower marital satisfaction. Because these issues are salient for couples at any given time in the family life cycle, counseling at critical points in the marriage (birth of children, launching of children from home, and retirement) may be helpful.