The Role of Critical Consciousness on Asian-White Interracial Couples’ Perceived Racism and Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study

Applying interdependence and critical consciousness theories, this study adopted a two-phase sequential explanatory mixed-methods design with dyadic data to examine three overarching research questions on Asian-White interracial heterosexual couples’ well-being, in particular, psychological distress and relationship satisfaction. First, as part of Phase 1, this study examined actor and partner associations between perceived blatant or subtle racism against the Asian partner and well-being. Second, whether critical consciousness moderated the associations between perceived racism and well-being was examined. Third, as part of Phase 2, this study engaged participants to interpret how critical consciousness may have shaped their own and their partner’s well-being in the face of racism.

In Phase 1, 191 self-identified Asian-White interracial heterosexual couples (N = 382 individuals) completed an online survey. In Phase 2, a subsample of eight couples (n = 16 individuals) purposefully selected from Phase 1 completed semi-structured individual interviews (Mlength = 79 minutes). Results from Actor-Partner Interdependence Models revealed positive actor associations between perceived blatant and subtle racism with psychological distress for both Asian and White partners, and a negative actor association between perceived subtle racism and relationship satisfaction for White partners. Asian partners’ higher critical consciousness placed them at risk for greater psychological distress and lower relationship satisfaction if they perceived more frequent blatant racism; however, White partner’s critical consciousness mitigated the positive associations between Asian partners’ perceived blatant or subtle racism and psychological distress. Thematic analysis for multiple perspective interviews from Phase 2 highlighted that both Asian and White partners perceived racism as intersectional and manifesting at interpersonal, relational, and systemic levels. Participants highlighted the eroding effects of subtle racism in comparison to blatant racism and how higher critical consciousness facilitated White partners to empathize with and support Asian partners to cope with the negative impact of racism.

This study offers an empirical understanding of Asian-White interracial heterosexual couples’ well-being in a relationship context. Counseling psychologists and other mental health professionals working with couples can draw from this study’s implications to promote critical consciousness in White partners and enhance communication on racism-related topics to promote both Asian and White partners’ well-being.