Religiosity,Intimacy,and Fatherhood: A Path Analysis of African American Men's Marriage Attitudes

Abstract

This study examines how religiosity, fear of intimacy, relationship with one's father, and relationship planning predict marriage attitudes among African American men. Using a cross-sectional design, 67 participants—recruited from community organizations, a university, and barbershops—completed validated scales measuring the four predictors and marriage attitudes. Path analysis revealed a strong positive association between religiosity and favorable marriage attitudes (B = 0.45, p < .001) and a significant negative association between fear of intimacy and marriage attitudes (B = -0.13, p = .023). Relationship planning did not significantly mediate any relationships, and paternal relationship quality showed no direct or indirect effects. These findings suggest that religious beliefs continue to reinforce pro-marriage views, while fear of emotional closeness may inhibit formal commitment. Results align with prior research emphasizing the role of the Black Church in shaping relational values and highlight the need for trauma-informed approaches addressing intimacy concerns. Practical implications include developing culturally responsive, faith-based, and secular relationship programs that address both emotional readiness and contextual barriers to marriage. Limitations include the small sample size and cross-sectional design, underscoring the need for longitudinal and mixed-methods research to explore these associations over time.