Dissertation
The study of internalized stereotypes among African American couples
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3107
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to contribute to the need for empirical studies of the ethnic and cultural issues associated with the decline of committed heterosexual relationships in African Americans. This dearth of research indicates a lack of awareness of issues related to African American couples, as well as the residual effects of cultural influences on their intimate relationships. This research investigated patterns of African American couples' positive and negative stereotyping and perceptions of couple adjustment, and examined the relationship between demographic variables and African American couples' positive and negative stereotyping of each other, as well as couple adjustment. Conceptual frameworks of social exchange theory and symbolic interactionism are discussed with application to African American couples. Respondents (n = 142; 101 females, 41 males) were 18 years or older, at least second generation African Americans, and in a heterosexual relationship. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), reliability scales for the two main variable instruments (the Stereotype Scale and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale), and correlations were conducted. EFA produced three Stereotype factors: Negative Black Female, Negative Black Male, and Positive Black. Multiple Regressions were conducted to examine whether Negative Black Female, Negative Black Male, or Positive Black Stereotypes predict Total DAS score, Demographics predict Total DAS score, and Demographics predict Stereotype scores. These were further examined, controlling for gender of the respondent. The significant findings in this study yielded the following: 1) older age is correlated with negative stereotypes of black females and negative stereotypes of black males; 2) women who had a higher education (completed college) endorsed more stereotypes of Negative Black Females than those who didn't complete high school; 3) females had higher negative stereotypes of Black women and Black men than males; and 4) both being in a committed relationship and holding positive stereotypes related highly to overall adjustment in this sample of African Americans. Implications for further research and clinical work with African American couples is discussed.
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Details
- Title
- The study of internalized stereotypes among African American couples
- Creators
- Cynthia Chestnut - DU
- Contributors
- Eric D. Johnson (Advisor) - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xix, 144 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Counseling and Family Therapy; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3107; 991014632157604721