A Meta-Analysis of Relationship Quality Correlates in Sexual Minorities: Examining Black Racial Composition as a Moderator

Authors: Cye Zhang, Janeva Jones, Alana Riso, Matthew Johnson

Field of Study: Psychology

Program Affiliation: Center for Transdisciplinary Research on Intimate Relationships

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Johnson

Easel: 33

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Relationship quality is a well-established predictor of physical and mental health (Navaneetham and Kanth, 2022), yet most existing research has focused on white, heterosexual populations. There has been an increase in studies examining Black sexual minority couples, but literature remains limited. Bryant et al. (2010) propose three influences on relationship quality for African Americans: couple interactions, psychosocial resources, and stressors. This meta-analysis investigates associations between different constructs and relationship satisfaction, examining how the percentage of Black participants moderates these relations. Constructs were grouped according to Bryant’s model for relationship quality. Moderation results suggest constructs such as attachment insecurity, investment, and relationship stability have weaker associations with relationship satisfaction for Black sexual minority individuals compared to non-Black sexual minorities, whereas physical health behaviors and relationship equality have stronger associations. These findings suggest that some relationship processes operate differently for Black couples, which may inform culturally responsive clinical practice.