(PS8-22) Testing the Dyadic Cultural Competence and Balance Model: The Moderating Role of Social Support

Although challenges in balancing heritage cultural values with adapting to dominant cultural demands can strain intimate relationships, little is known about how bicultural competence may be protective for relationship quality, and there are no theoretical models outlining the role of bicultural competence in intimate relationships.

To address this, Hendershot and Johnson (in press) proposed the Dyadic Cultural Competence and Balance (DCCB) model, describing how patterns of individual cultural competencies can be combined across couples. They propose that individual competencies can result in dyadic bicultural competence, achieved when at least one partner is oriented to heritage culture and at least one partner is oriented to dominant culture, leading to improved relational functioning. They also propose that imbalances in cultural burden may result when one partner experiences a disproportionate amount of burden in navigating either culture, leading to increased relational strain. The DCCB model proposes two moderating effects: cultural context and dyadic adaptive processes. It proposes that access to high levels of cultural resources may buffer against the strain of low bicultural competence and that high levels of adaptive processes may be necessary for dyadic bicultural competence to be associated with relational quality.

Preliminary results indicate that high dyadic bicultural competence is protective for relationship quality in Latine couples while low dyadic bicultural competence may combine with other stressors to increase relationship dysfunction (Hendershot et al., in preparation). No associations have yet been found between imbalances in cultural burden and relationship quality. However, moderating pathways of the DCCB model have not been evaluated. It is possible that moderating effects may clarify the associations between imbalances and relationship quality.

We aim to examine the effect of social support in moderating associations between dyadic bicultural competence and imbalances in cultural burden on relationship quality, as outlined in the DCCB model. We will utilize a sample of Latine couples from the Future of Families & Child Wellbeing Study. Participants were recruited at the time of the birth of a child and were included if they identified as Hispanic or Latine. Couples were assessed at the time of their child’s birth and when the child was 1, 3, 5, and 9 years of age. Variables include dyadic bicultural competence, balance/imbalance in relationship burden, relationship quality at year 9, and social support.

While preliminary findings indicate that there are associations between dyadic bicultural competence and relationship quality, more work is needed to test the pathways of the DCCB model. If model pathways are supported, then the model may be helpful in guiding research in immigrant couples. If model pathways are not supported, then revision of the model may be needed to fully reflect migrant experiences. Given the lack of comprehensive theories outlining the role of culture in relationship functioning, testing of the DCCB model is critical.