Examining the Factors Influencing Marital Stability Among Couples in the Kwabre East District, Ashanti Region - Ghana

Abstract

The basis of marriage is mutual consent between a man and woman to share their life in a good or bad situation and this mutual consent is based on the love and affection between them. In recent times, the marriage which is believed to be the most sacred institution has been under serious attack with high separation and divorce rates leading to marital instability across the globe. Interestingly, some communities in Ghana have recorded marital stability over the past few years. This study aimed to examine the factors that influence marital stability in communities using Kwabre East District in the Ashanti Region as a case. The study employed a mixed-method research design to collect data from 380 married respondents (those currently married) purposely selected from Kwabre East District. A structured questionnaire and interview schedule were administered to seek respondents’ views on marriage stability and data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that love dominated the range of factors influencing marital stability among gender, age group, religion, occupation, and educational levels. The study also showed communication, sexual satisfaction, the stigma of divorce, and children among others as factors influencing marital stability in the Kwabre District. The study has demonstrated the importance of five key factors – love, communication, sexual satisfaction, the stigma of divorce, and children on marital stability and how each factor is dependent on the other to provide a strong bond in ensuring marital stability among couples. The study recommends counseling services, seminars, and workshops on periodically sharing best practices in marriages and not only when problems arise in marriages. Keywords : Marital Stability, Marriage, Divorce DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-36-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2022