| The present exploratory study explored the thematic analysis of relational breakdown encountered by Black Canadians. The term relationship is being defined as the state of being related or interrelated; the relation connecting or binding participants in a state of affairs existing between those having dealings through family or romantic attachment. The type of relationship referred to in this paper is a romantic relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants. The qualitative data was analyzed and coded using a thematic analysis. Four contexts were revealed that house twelve major themes that emerged from the data associated with relational breakdown for Black Canadians. The four contexts are: Beginning: honeymoon/challenging, during relationship breakdown, ultimate reason to end the relationship, and future relationship. The first context, beginning: honeymoon/challenging, has three major themes: quality time, sense of community, and age gap/age misconception. The second context, during relationship breakdown, has six major themes: work roles and career, communication difficulties, life transition, family and community influence, family culture, and no common goals or objectives. The third context, ultimate reason to end the relationship, has one major theme, loss of emotional connection. The last context, future relationship has two major themes: Moving on, and ideal future relationship. Two major themes emerged from the data associated with the reason Black Canadian individual relationships breakdown, which are loss of emotional connection and family influence. The theme loss of emotional connection was similar to findings in the current romantic relationship literature and community and family influence show new findings that have yet to be explored within the Canadian context. The limitations and implications of the study were also discussed. This study is preliminary in nature, suggesting several areas for future research. |
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