Richard C. Henriksen

Intercultural Couples: Coping With Culture-Related Stressors

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify potential culture-related stressors in intercultural marriages and uncover some of the conscious and unconscious strategies applied by couples to cope with these stressors. In-depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with five intercultural couples. Interview data were then analyzed using a phenomenological reduction process to synthesize the meanings and essences of participant experiences. Results revealed that the intercultural couples studied used similar coping strategies to manage marital stressors that might be attributed to or accentuated by cultural differences. Six primary coping strategies were identified: (a) gender-role flexibility; (b) humor; (c) cultural deference by one partner; (d) recognition of similarities; (e) cultural reframing or the development of blended values and expectations that redefined the intercultural relationship; and (f) a general appreciation for other cultures. These intercultural coping strategies were supported by prior empirical research in the fields of intercultural communication and marital counseling. Further research is needed to understand better the unique stressors and coping mechanisms experienced by intercultural couples. Practical considerations for therapists who counsel intercultural couples are discussed.

The Multiple Heritage Couple Questionnaire

The Multiple Heritage Couple Questionnaire (MHCQ) is a revision and extension of the Interracial Couple Questionnaire (ICQ). It is designed to help counseling professionals attend to crucial information that is often overlooked when working with multiple-heritage couples.

Raising Black Males From a Black Father’s Perspective A Phenomenological Study

The role of Black fathers and the lessons they teach their sons have received little attention. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of what current Black fathers learned from their parents, family, and society about education, male roles, and success. Seven Black fathers provided their perceptions of what they learned growing up that they share with their sons. Six themes emerged from the seven interviews: (a) fathers are role models, (b) it takes a village, (c) critical juncture, (d) exposure, (e) education was mandatory, and (f) essential ingredients. The discussion focuses on the impact Black fathers have on the development of their sons. Implications for counseling and future research are also presented.

Perceptions of a White Female in an Interracial Marriage

This article presents a case study of the perceptions of a White female married to an African American male.

Counseling Single Mothers of Multiple Heritage Children: What Is the Difference?

An instrumental qualitative multiple case study design was conducted on 3 single mothers raising multiple heritage children concerning issues involved in being a single mother and attempting to juggle socializing their children among two different cultures. Using constant comparison analysis, themes were assigned by analyzing the single mothers’ interview responses to determine the advantages and disadvantages that single mothers might face while raising multiple heritage children. Results indicate an array of pertinent issues single mothers might face while attempting to juggle family and social issues pertaining to raising a multiple heritage child on their own. Recommendations for counselors working with single mothers of multiple heritage children are presented.

The Phenomenological Experience of First Responder Spouses

In this phenomenological study, the essence of being a first responder spouse was described through the lived experiences of the participants. The objective of this phenomenological study was to answer the question, “What is the experience of being the spouse of a first responder?” Participants included six spouses of first responders in the Southern United States. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) safety, (b) stress, (c) pride, (c.1) civic-mindedness, (d) identity, and (e) finances. The qualitative results identified significant barriers and stressors that exist within the first responder family system and implications for clinical practice with this population.