Effect of Work Experience on Marital Satisfaction and Marital Conflict among Normal and Shift Schedule Professionals of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Separation, single parenthood and divorce are all on the rise. The commotion of the work place mix with family obligation and expectation play a role in these marital challenges. The study examined Marital satisfaction and marital conflict the comparative analysis of shift schedule and normal working hours employee in Ekiti-state, Nigeria. A total of 700 staff (389 normal working hours schedule and 381 shift schedules) were selected, Slovin formula was employed to get a sample of the population. Participants ages ranged between <18 ->55 years. These research instruments were used to generate data from participants, namely Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale(EMSC)by Blaire et al 1987 and Kansas Marital Conflict Scale(KMSC) by Eggerman et al 1985. Data were analyzed with the use of analysis of variance (Anova and independent t-test). The findings show that there is a significant difference in the level of marital conflict reported by the professionals (Nurses, Police officers, Correctional officers and Civil servants)F(3,766)=40.58.P<.01. Observation of the means shows correctional officer (x=75.83) has highest level of marital conflict followed by police (x=72.86) then Nurses ( x= 66.34) and lastly civil servant. However there is also a significant difference in the marital satisfaction of the professionals F(3,766)=6,67.P<.01.Nurses reported highest score on marital satisfaction followed by Civil servants then police officer and and lastly correctional officer. Findings were discussed in relation to the existing literature on marital satisfaction and marital conflict