This study examined the effects of perceived racial discrimination on interparental conflict and child emotional adjustment in a sample of White, Hispanic, and Black adults. Through the utilization of data from the United Way of Metropolitan Tarrant County (UWMTC) Community Needs Survey, this secondary analysis was based on a comprehensive literature review and principles of stress and coping, social learning, and emotional security perspectives.

Exploratory factor analysis was used as a validation technique for the constructs of Interparental Conflict and Child Emotional Adjustment, which were criterion variables in the study. T-tests examined the differences between interparental conflict and child emotional adjustment in respondents perceiving racial discrimination compared to respondents who did not. Regression analyses were also conducted and revealed that the percentage of variance explained by Interparental Conflict and Child Emotional Adjustment was greater in respondents who perceived racial discrimination compared to respondents who did not. Following the data analysis, a discussion of findings and implications for Social Work policy, practice, and research were presented.