Idea that human beings behave and think in certain ways specifically because there are constraints which exist that prevent them from doing otherwise.  These constraints exist on all levels of the human system on both an individual and structural level.

- Sociological Constraints
- Psychological Constraints

Theory of Constraints

A model that attempts to predict marriage quality and stability that focuses on three main aspects: 
- Stressful events (external factors)
- Enduring Vulnerabilities (stable demographic, historical, personality, and experiential factors of each person in the relationship)
- Adaptive Processes (How people react and cope with differences and problems)

Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Model

Investigated the psychological, sociological, and interpersonal barriers to the reason why African-Americans may be less likely to get married using 2 main overarching frameworks:
- Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Model
- Theories of Constraint

Alma College

A study that investigated the sociological and psychological factors that contribute to the low marriage rates of African-Americans. 

Understanding the Disproportionately Low Marriage Rate Among African Americans

Chambers, A. L., & Kravitz, A. (2011). Understanding the disproportionately low marriage rate among African Americans: An amalgam of sociological and psychological constraints. Family Relations, 60(5), 648-660.

Understanding the disproportionately low marriage rate among African Americans: An amalgam of sociological and psychological constraints.

Marriage rates for the following races are as follows:
- 42% of African American 
- 61% for Caucasians
- 59% for Hispanics 

Racial Differences in Marriage Rates

Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks Utilized

Healthy marriages are important because they often promote financial, social, and psychological well-being. Children from married families tend to have lower delinquency rates, fewer behavioral problems, higher self-esteem, and better educational outcomes.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After