RACISM, RELATIONSHIP FUNCTIONING, AND COMPARISON LEVELS OF ALTERNATIVES

Abstract

Romantic relationships offer a space for companionship, belonging, love, and intimacy. However, relationships do not exist in a vacuum. One important external factor that can affect the functioning of a relationship is experiences of racism. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of racism on relationship functioning. Data from 122 participants currently in romantic relationships in which one partner is a person of color was used to examine the association between experiences of racism and negative and positive aspects of relationship functioning as well as perceived partner alternatives. Experiences of racism were positively associated with anger, perceived partner anger, and withdrawal; and negatively associated with perceived partner support. Experiences of racism were also positively associated with perceptions of comparison level for alternatives. Findings suggest that experiencing racism is related to both negative and positive aspects of relationship functioning as well as perceived partner alternatives. Future research should seek to further examine these relationships.