How Serving Others in Families and Faith Communities Strengthens African American Marriages

Existing research rarely notes how acts of service may inform and strengthen African American families. Using a strengths-based approach and a purposive sample of 46 exemplary, marriage-based, African American families, this study examines the processes associated with building relational strength through generosity and service to others. Narrative quotes were analyzed through systematic, team-based thematic coding procedures. Four core themes emerged from the analysis, including (1) determination in providing service, (2) service to physical needs, (3) service to emotional needs, and (4) faith informs service. Research and practical implications are discussed to highlight how African American families’ service to others may influence practice and future research efforts.