Help-Seeking for Marital Problems: Perceptions of Individuals in Strong African American Marriages

This exploratory study employed a qualitative approach and a strength-based framework to identify African Americans’ (N = 78) perceptions of help-seeking for marital problems in their strong marriages. Specifically, participants were asked the resources they would seek if marital problems arose, sex differences in willingness to seek professional help for marital problems, and their lived experience with help-seeking for marital problems. African American men and women most frequently cited religion/spirituality and family (immediate/extended) as resources for help during marital challenges. No significant difference was identified between men and women in willingness to seek professional help for marital problems. When discussing experiences with help-seeking for marital problems participants indicated that they considered the trustworthiness of the resource, typically relied on religion/spirituality, and preferred to keep their problems within their relationship. Results are discussed in terms of implications for researchers and marriage professionals.