Key points

Mismatched responses to racism can erode trust and create tense conflict in interracial relationships.

Trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn can shape how partners handle racism.

Curiosity, open conversations and a commitment to change are key to confronting racism as a team.

Numerous studies over the last decade have shown the negative impacts of the invisible burden of confronting racism on interracial couples. A recent study , conducted in 2024, showed that interracial couples were, on average, more likely to experience discrimination , higher perceived stress , more depressive symptoms, and worse overall self-rated health compared to White couples due to the impact of discrimination.

When faced with racism—be it in public situations with strangers o

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