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Exploring differences in approaches to conflict and satisfaction among Mexican American and European American romantic partners within the United States

Author

Desireah A. LaMar, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

International Studies

First Advisor

Kent Warren

First Committee Member

Phyllis Thompson

Second Committee Member

Francisca Trujillo-Dalbey

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated conflict within intercultural romantic relationships between Mexican American and European American partners within the United States. The goal of this study was to explore and understand the causes of differences in conflict and resulting relationship satisfaction in this largely underexplored area of intercultural relationships. Seven couples were interviewed and asked a total of 27 questions aimed at finding answers to the main research questions, which were: (1) in what ways do Mexican American and European American partners in romantic relationships experience conflict in their relationship; and (2) in what ways do Mexican American and European American partners try to resolve conflict; and (3) how do their conflict styles and ability to resolve conflict impact their relationship satisfaction? The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes related to the research questions. The most frequently occurring themes discovered were: (1) gender expectations, (2) family obligations, (3) finances, (4) experience of being the minority, and (5) language barriers and exclusion. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.

Pages

72

ISBN

9781369298246

Recommended Citation

LaMar, Desireah A.. (2016). Exploring differences in approaches to conflict and satisfaction among Mexican American and European American romantic partners within the United States. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/239

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.