Divorce in Black America: Narratives from Divorced Black Men

Marital trends indicate that marriage rates have been declining for Black Americans in the last four decades, while divorce rates continue to be higher for Black Americans than any other racial group. Marriage yields positive effects in Black communities, as indicated by a decrease in teen pregnancy, an increase in educational advancement, and higher self-esteem among the children of married Black adults. Previous studies concerning marriage in the Black community have focused heavily on the experiences of Black families and single Black women. This study provides a platform for Black American men, who have been a marginalized population with a limited voice within the world of academia and clinical research. This qualitative study, utilizing the three-dimensional narrative inquiry space, explores the experience of divorce with a sample of Black men from the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. From 10 interviews with five divorced Black men, the study found that a lack of provision and guidance from their caregivers, especially their biological fathers; former financial problems; unhealthy or unrealistic understanding of spousal expectations and roles; and risk factors such as impoverished communities greatly influenced their readiness for marriage and impacted their experience of divorce. Findings are understood using self-psychology and attachment theories. Recommendations are offered to the general social work profession as well as current clinical providers