Relationship satisfaction in Black heterosexual couples: The role of self-compassion and openness.

The study examined how Black heterosexual couples cope with the impact of racial discrimination on their relationship. The Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) model was utilized to examine the role of self-compassion in mitigating negative interaction in the relationship and how racial discrimination might disrupt this protective process. Further, the influence of open communication on the relationship between negative interaction and overall relationship satisfaction was explored.

Trajectories of Interracial Heterosexual Couples: A Longitudinal Analysis of Relationship Quality and Separation.

Minimal research has examined interracial couples' relationship satisfaction and dissolution patterns over time. Using dyadic data across 8 years, we examined potential differences in relationship quality trajectories through latent growth curve modeling with 1,336 couples as well as differential risks for relationship dissolution through logistic regression between same-race and interracial relationships using a different subset of 2,370 couples. Results indicated that women in interracial relationships were significantly lower in initial relationship quality than women in same-race relationships.