Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore if and how early parent-participant relationships affect subsequent intimate relationships among African American couples. Given the clear gap between African Americans’ attitudes about marriage and the data that show them to be the least likely to be married among other racial or ethnic groups in the United States of America, a unique conceptualization [Life Course Developmental framework, Object Relations theory, Symbolic Interactionism perspective] was used to explore the role that early key figure-child social interactions potentially have in influencing young African Americans interactions with their significant others. To carry out the research purpose, a Charmaz’s (2014) grounded theory approach was used to develop a thorough exploration of if or how earlier relationships affect subsequent intimate relationships with young African Americans transitioning through non-marital and marriage relationships. A theoretical and convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit 16 couples (32 individuals), mostly African American, between the ages of 22 and 40 primarily residing in southern California. Individual interviews were conducted as well as member check-ins. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed. The rigor of this research study was evaluated by its credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability (Guba & Lincoln, 1989). The results gave indication to four emergent patterns of family background influences. As couples dated from different family backgrounds, they responded by going through a three-stage process. Four patterns of responses emerged from the couples’ different approaches to the three-stage process of reconfiguration. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

LLU Discipline

Family Studies

Department

Counseling and Family Sciences

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Jackie Williams-Reade

Second Advisor

Curtis Fox

Third Advisor

Susanne Montgomery

Fourth Advisor

Winetta Oloo

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2018

Date (Title Page)

6-2018

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Black or African American; Marriage -- psychology; Social Theory; Social Interaction

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xiii, 167 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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