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Chapter 13 - Wearing a Mask in Love: Implications for Covering and Infidelity in Black Relationships

from Part IV - Sex and Intimacy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2023

By
Laura Dupiton  and
Cynthia Chestnut
Edited by
Yamonte Cooper  and
Erica Holmes
Yamonte Cooper
Affiliation:
El Camino College, Torrance, California
Erica Holmes
Affiliation:
Antioch University, Los Angeles
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Summary

This chapter explores infidelity in Black committed relationships. Research indicates that the instability of Black relationships is directly related to the effects of racial trauma that Black men and women continue to endure. Due to the emotional and psychological wounds caused by systemic oppression, internalized stereotypes, and other factors, Black men and women often wear a mask, ultimately suppressing their authentic selves. A sociological phenomenon called covering is discussed to frame, expand, and make meaning of the ways Black men and women in relationship have learned to survive and protect themselves from further emotional bruising. A case study using Narrative Therapy addresses covering while attending to the language used to shape a couple’s reality. Discovering an alternative solution to other possibilities expands the couple’s sense of self and other to ultimately redefine their story.

Keywords

coveringinfidelityBlack couplesrelationshipsstereotypesinternalized racismwearing a masknarrative therapymasking
Type
Chapter
Information
Black Couples Therapy
Clinical Theory and Practice
 , pp. 293 - 316
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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