How Serving Others in Families and Faith Communities Strengthens African American Marriages

Keywords

African Americans, Black, generosity, marriage, religion, service

Abstract

Existing research rarely notes how acts of service may inform and strengthen African American families. Using a strengths-based approach and a purposive sample of 46 exemplary, marriage-based, African American families, this study examines the processes associated with building relational strength through generosity and service to others. Narrative quotes were analyzed through systematic, team-based thematic coding procedures. Four core themes emerged from the analysis, including (1) determination in providing service, (2) service to physical needs, (3) service to emotional needs, and (4) faith informs service. Research and practical implications are discussed to highlight how African American families’ service to others may influence practice and future research efforts.

Original Publication Citation

Skipper, A. D., Marks, L. D., Vassar, T. A., Cannon, D. H., Dollahite, D. C., & Hendricks, J. J. (2025). How serving others in families and faith communities strengthens African American marriages. Marriage & Family Review, 61(8), 799–822. https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2024.2419067

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

Marriage & Family Review

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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