Conceptualizations of Romantic Relationship Commitment Among Low-Income African American Adolescents

Few studies have examined adolescents’ understanding of romantic relationship commitment, particularly among African American youth. Using three waves of semistructured interviews, the present descriptive study addresses this topic by exploring the ways in which 20 African American adolescents (age range 13-19 years) from low-income backgrounds conceptualize and describe commitment in romantic relationships. Qualitative analyses revealed three main themes related to defining commitment, indicating that which commitment provides, and describing the nature of commitment in different relationship contexts. Findings inform psychological research and practice relating to commitment and romantic relationships among African American adolescents

Sources of socialization for interpersonal trust: an exploration of low-income Black adolescents’ experiences

Much of the literature on interpersonal trust is quantitative in nature, using scales developed primarily with White middle-class and upper-class adults. To understand how another racial group of a different socioeconomic background and age views interpersonal trust, we considered the experiences of 22 low-income Black adolescents. The adolescents participated in a relationship education program and were interviewed about their interpersonal trust experiences. Results of a qualitative data analysis revealed that most adolescents defined interpersonal trust based on honesty and fidelity, with a particular emphasis on monogamy in romantic relationships. Adolescents identified direct messages from family members and personal relationship experiences as sources of socialization for interpersonal trust. Although some adolescents reported that the relationship education program enhanced their understanding of and willingness to trust, others maintained that trust can only be learned through personal experiences. Though the adolescents generally trusted family members, they experienced challenges trusting friends and romantic partners. Despite this, adolescents considered interpersonal trust a vital and a necessary part of romantic relationships. We discuss implications of the findings for relationship stability and satisfaction

Determinants and Long‐Term Effects of Attendance Levels in a Marital Enrichment Program for African American Couples

Although most efficacious marital enrichment programs are multisession, few studies have explored whether outcomes differ according to session attendance, particularly among minority groups with lower than average participation in prevention programs. This study therefore investigates attendance levels and long‐term improvements in couple functioning among 164 couples participating in the Promoting Strong African American Families program. Structural equation models indicated session attendance predicted 2‐year changes for men\u27s reports of communication, commitment, and spousal support (marginally) but not for women\u27s. Individual and couple characteristics that predicted attendance levels were also identified. Results highlight distinct gender differences in the effects of sustained attendance as well as characteristics that provide early identifiers for African American couples at increased risk of low program attendance

It Takes a Village: Protecting Rural African American Youth in the Context of Racism

Prior research demonstrates negative consequences of racism, however, little is known about community, parenting, and intrapersonal mechanisms that protect youth. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study illuminated linkages between positive and negative contextual influences on rural African American adolescent outcomes. Quantitative results provide support for Structural Ecosystems Theory, in that the influence of discrimination and collective socialization on adolescent outcomes was mediated by racial socialization and positive parenting. Parenting and community influences contributed to adolescent racial identity and self image, which protected against common negative responses to racism; including academic underachievement, succumbing to peer pressure, and aggressive tendencies. Qualitative results indicate that current measures of discrimination may underestimate adolescents’ experiences. Adolescents reported racist experiences in the domains of school, peers, and with the police (males only). Moreover, qualitative findings echoed and expanded quantitative results with respect to the importance of the protective nature of parents and communities

Black Women’s Recommendations for Developing Effective Type 2 Diabetes Programming

The purpose of this study was to learn from 29 Black women how to develop effective Type 2 diabetes programming. Three focus groups were held in Des Moines, Iowa, during fall 2012. Results highlighted themes related to diabetes knowledge, diabetes management and prevention, physical activity, diet, and diabetes management programming. Opinions were shared as to whether family members should be included in programs for supporting those diagnosed with diabetes. These results provided guidance and ideas to scholars and health care professionals aiming to improve effectiveness of diabetes programs for Black women and families

Revising Diabetes Programming for Black Men and Their Families

Type-2 diabetes has increased 160% for African American males in the United States. This two-part study’s purpose was to apply social marketing theory to understand the Type-2 diabetes education needs of men in Iowa. Study One was a preference assessment of Type-2 diabetes education strategies. Four African American men participated in a series of four focus groups and indicated that they were interested in diabetes prevention programming with their families but not in having it labeled as diabetes education. Participating men would rather increase their physical activity as opposed to tracking their food intake. As a follow-up to this study, nine other African American males took part in Study Two, which used cooking demonstrations and recipe taste-testing with the men to examine their relationship to food in the context of managing their Type-2 diabetes. The findings of both studies, which provided insight into these African American men’s lifestyle as related to their Type-2 diabetes, could be useful for nursing professionals who have a critical role in navigating cultural, gender, and family norms while developing care plans, offering patient education, and promoting quality of life

Understanding Distinct Marital Separation Patterns Among Black Couples

When Black married couples separate, they do so for longer durations without ever divorcing when compared to married adults from other racial and ethnic groups. Long periods of separation also have the potential to undermine individual well-being, child welfare, and family stability. This fact sheet provides an opportunity to learn more in hopes of better serving clients who may seek social services or take part in relationship development and marriage enrichment programs. The purpose of this fact sheet is to : (a) describe unique patterns in marital separation among Black couples, (b) highlight factors linked to marital separation, (c) outline consequences of marital separation, and (d) offer strategies social service workers can use to empower their clients who may experience marital separation.This article is published as Hurt, T. R. (2013). Understanding distinct marital separation patterns among Black couples. Fact sheet developed for the National Resource Center for Healthy Marriage and Families, Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services. Product No. 56. Posted with permission. </p

Synthesizing and Focusing the Debate

Ralph Richard Banks makes a substantial contribution to the field of Black relationships, and marriage in general, with the book Is Marriage for White People? How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone. Banks synthesizes research from law, sociology, and public health (to name a few) in his presentation of issues salient to the changing landscape of relationship formation and maintenance. To offer concrete examples of relationship issues and to provide evidence to support his claims, Banks revisits well‐known passages from popular movies and fictional literature and integrates examples from qualitative interviews he conducted with single Black women in their 30s and 40s. In this review, I describe four central issues that Banks addresses—similarities in marriage trends across groups, the pattern of marrying down but not out, challenges linked to gender relations, and relationship transiency—and discuss what I view as three limitations of the book.This book review is published as Hurt, T. R. (2012). Synthesizing and focusing the debate. Journal of Family Theory and Review, 4 (4), 355-358. DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-2589.2012.00145.x. Posted with permission.</p

Black Men and the Decision to Marry

The purpose of this descriptive study is to understand the decision to marry among a sample of 52 married Black men. Qualitative inquiry was used to explore this issue. The men noted five factors that encouraged marriage: wife's characteristics, spirituality, desire to be together, readiness to marry, and encouragement from others. Five barriers to marriage were personal reservations, perceived loss of freedom, disapproval from others, prior relationship experiences, and finances. If they had to make the choice to marry again, 44% reported they would marry at the same time, 30% would opt to marry later, and 23% would select to marry earlier. Three percent of men would not choose to marry again. Implications are discussed.This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Marriage & Family Review on August 2014, available online: http://www.tandf.com/doi: 10.1080/01494929.2014.905816</p

Dispelling the Myth: Black Couples Are Not Interested in Marriage.

This fact sheet highlights the reality of seven common myths about black marriage. The aims in doing so are twofold: (1) to provide accurate information concerning demographic trends in black relationships among low-income persons, and (2) to share strategies safety-net service providers may use to encourage their clients to participate in healthy marriage and relationship education programsThis article is published as Hurt, T. R. (2012). Dispelling the myth: Black couples are not interested in marriage. Fact sheet developed for the National Resource Center for Healthy Marriage and Families, Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services. Product number 031. Posted with permission. </p