Cultural Considerations in the Context of Romantic Relationships

It is estimated that about one-third of couples experience distress or discord at some point in the course of their relationship. The early literature of marriage and committed relationships focused nearly exclusively on White, heterosexual, non-Hispanic couples, but over the past couple of decades, there has been increased focus on the dynamics and specific needs of couples from different ethnic backgrounds as well as same-sex couples. In this chapter, we summarize some of the major challenges and threats to relationship well-being for African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, and same-sex couples. Some of the challenges discussed in this chapter include racism and discrimination, financial strain and work stress, acculturation, and negative historical or societal influences. We also have tried to highlight important areas of strength for couples that therapists can help clients enhance, including religiosity and spirituality and support from family or friends