A Systematic Review of Black American Same-Sex Couples Research: Laying the Groundwork for Culturally-Specific Research and Interventions

J Sex Res. 2022 May-Jun;59(5):555-567. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1964422. Epub 2021 Aug 30.

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article presents the findings of a systematic review of the empirical literature related to Black American same-sex couples (BASCs). We found 16 articles that met inclusion criteria. Most articles were published in journals that focused on interdisciplinary studies, HIV/AIDS, and couples and families' studies. Approximately 63% of the articles reported external funding support. However, only one of these grants was awarded to a Black investigator. Articles predominately focused on BASCs composed of Black sexual minority men residing in major U.S. cities. Only 25% of the articles focused on couples where both partners were Black. Most studies were cross-sectional, used convenience samples, and were reported without mention of a theoretical framework that explicated the philosophical assumptions that guided the research. The articles focused on a range of topics such as resilience, relationship dynamics, couple-level social support, rituals with extended families, and partner-health associations. The implications of these findings for advancing culturally-specific behavioral and social science health research and interventions with BASCs are presented.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners