Relationship dynamics in Latino-White intercultural marriages: A three group comparison

Latino-White (LW) intercultural couples (n = 40) were compared with two control groups of couples, one Latino-Latino (LL) ( n = 40) and one White-White (WW) (n = 40), in terms of relationship dimensions measured by the ENRICH relationship inventory. The role of acculturation in the marital functioning of Latino-White couples was also assessed. It was hypothesized that: (a) LW couples would report more difficulty in communication and conflict resolution, as well as less marital satisfaction than LL and WW couples; (b) LW couples would report more difficulty than LL and WW couples regarding personality issues, financial management (money), leisure activities, sexual relationship, childrearing, family and friend relationships, gender roles, and spiritual beliefs; and (c) LW couples in which the Latino partner was less acculturated would report more difficulties in communication and conflict resolution, as well as less marital satisfaction than those in which the Latino partner was more acculturated. There was no difference regarding any of the target marital dimensions except spiritual beliefs, where WW couples reported greater satisfaction and less conflict than LL and LW couples. ANOVA and multiple regression were used to examine the relationship between acculturation and all marital dynamics. No significant results were produced. Implications for counseling and future research are discussed.