Association Between Sources of Knowledge on Human Sexual Behaviour and Marital Satisfaction among Married People in Meru County

Agnes Karambu Maigallo ,Beatrice M Mburugu ,Adiel M Magana

doi:10.7176/dcs/9-10-10

Abstract

This study examines the sources of knowledge on sexual behaviour among married. Risky sexual behaviour is a problem that leads to dissatisfaction in many marriages in the world. Most conflicts in marriages are as a result of risky sexual behaviour. Sources of knowledge on sexual behaviour are instrumental in how a person manages their sexuality in marriage. How married persons manage affects satisfaction in marriage. There is a decline in marital satisfaction in Meru County as manifested by increase in marital violence, divorces and court cases related to custody and maintenance of children. Knowledge of sexual behaviour is a major contributor to marital satisfaction yet the association between sources of knowledge on sexual behaviour and marital satisfaction in Meru County had not been clearly established. This study intended fill the gap by establishing, the sources of knowledge on sexual behaviour and marital satisfaction in Meru County. The study adopted a causal-comparative research methodology. The target population of the study is 474,263 married people in Meru County from whom a sample of 384 respondents was drawn using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected from married people using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Interview schedules were used to collect data from sexuality educators and marriage counsellors. Data obtained was analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science for both descriptive and inferential statistics. A weak positive correlation which was not significant was demonstrated when sources of knowledge on sexual behaviour were correlated with marital satisfaction ( r s =0.050, p =0.393). Key words : Marital satisfaction, sexual behaviour, Intimacy, passion, commitment DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-10-10 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Highlights

Married individuals who have average to high levels of marital quality and harmony are more satisfied in their lives than their unmarried counterparts (Williams, 2003)
The study explored sources of knowledge on sexuality throughout life, shared sexual behaviour, abstinence, sexual response cycle and sexual dysfunction as the areas of sexual behaviour (Table 6). These findings reveal that peers, sponsors at initiation, none, spouses, books and magazines were the top five most influential sources of knowledge on human sexual behaviour among married people in Meru County
Evidence of a weak positive association that was significant was provided when sources of knowledge on abstinence was correlated with intimacy, passion and marital satisfaction

Summary

Introduction

Married individuals who have average to high levels of marital quality and harmony are more satisfied in their lives than their unmarried counterparts (Williams, 2003). According to Bradbury, Fincham, and Beach, (2000), marital satisfaction is largely influenced by how a man and woman in marriage understands, acknowledges and accepts their sexuality and that of their spouse The understanding, the acknowledgement and acceptance of sexual identity are determined to a great extent by the sexuality education received by a person (Gordon, 2007). According to Gordon, (2007), if sexuality education is taught appropriately, it can help young people develop communication skills, as well as enhance their self-esteem and capacities in making decisions which are important in enhancing intimacy, passion and commitment in marriages. Tanton et al reports that many young women have lower level of power or control in their sexual relationships. On the other hand young men may feel the pressure from their peers to act according to male sexual stereotypes and engage in controlling harmful behaviours. Good quality sexuality education has an impact on positive attitudes and values and can even out the power dynamics in intimate relationships contributing to prevention of abuse and fostering mutually respectful consensual partnerships (European Expert Group on Sexuality Education, 2016)

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Conclusion