Interracial and intraracial romantic relationships: The search for differences in satisfaction, conflict, and attachment style

• Published in: Journal of social and personal relationships Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 65 - 80
• Main Authors: Troy, Adam B., Lewis-Smith, Jamie, Laurenceau, Jean-Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications 01.02.2006; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Conflicts; Family relations; Human behaviour; Interethnic relations; Interethnic relationships; Intermarriage; Interpersonal Relations; Interpersonal relationships; Interracial contact; Interracial relationships; Personal relationships; Psychology; Quality; Quality of life; Race; Race relations; interracial dating; relationship quality; interethnic relationships; intermarriage
• ISSN: 0265-4075; 1460-3608
• DOI: 10.1177/0265407506060178

Interracial relationships are increasingly frequent, yet understudied. This article presents two studies of the commonly held belief that the relationship quality of interracial couples is lower in comparison to intraracial romantic couples. In Study 1, partners in interracial relationships reported significantly higher relationship satisfaction compared to those in intraracial relationships. No differences were found for reported conflict or attachment style. In Study 2, no differences were found between interracial and intraracial relationships in relationship quality, conflict patterns, relationship efficacy, coping style, and attachment. This investigation casts doubt on the belief that interracial relationships are burdened with more problems than intraracial relationships.