Interracial Couples in Therapy: Common Themes and Issues

Abstract

This article approaches the topic of intimate interracial relations from a clinical perspective. Throughout this article, we use the term “interracial” relationships, which refers to partners’ different racial categories defined by their physical and biological characteristics. This term falls under the larger umbrella of “interethnic” relationships, which refers to differences in partners’ cultural heritage as well as biological characteristics. Different racialized histories and experiences set interracial couples apart from other dyads, and can influence the types of problems that they encounter in their relationships. Given the challenging history of intergroup relations between races, a distinction is drawn between problems which are common to all couples (i.e., negotiating gender roles, poor communication, disagreements over financial management, and intimacy issues) and problems that are unique to interracial couples (i.e., managing societal disapproval, managing the effects of racial privilege). The utility of interdependence theory in furthering understanding of the problems that may arise in interracial relationships is examined. We argue that this theoretical model does not sufficiently address external casual conditions which are a primary source of the unique problems faced by interracial couples.