Examining the Impact of Attachment Style and the Strong Black Woman Schema on Marital Satisfaction in Black Couples: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates the relationships between attachment style, the Superwoman Schema (SWS), and perceived marital satisfaction among cis-gender Black women married to cis-gender Black men or in a common-law partnership. The research explored how variations in attachment style and adherence to the SWS contribute to differences in marital satisfaction within this demographic. A sample of 136 married cis-gender Black women married to cis-gender Black men or in a common-law partnership aged 25 to 45 were surveyed using an online Qualtrics survey. The findings from the correlation analysis showed that the SWS was not significantly correlated with marital satisfaction (r = -.01, p = .87), while both dimensions of insecure attachment were significantly associated with marital satisfaction. Attachment-related anxiety showed a moderate, negative correlation with marital satisfaction (r = -.30, p < .001), and attachment-related avoidance showed a similar pattern (r = -.35, p < .001). The findings from the multiple regression analysis indicated that the SWS, attachment-anxiety, and attachment-avoidance did not significantly predict marital satisfaction. Understanding these relationships has significant implications for developing therapeutic interventions and promoting healthy marital relationships within the Black community. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on marital satisfaction and mental health among Black women, offering valuable data for both academic research and clinical practice.