Obstacles and Suggested Solutions to Effective Communication in Marriage as Expressed by Married Adults in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeMarriage involves exchange of ideas and feelings. It requires honesty and sincere expression of feelings. A discussion between husband and wife promotes marital harmony and stability. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate obstacles and suggested solutions to effective communication in marriage as expressed by married adults in Kogi State. It also examined the influence of gender, age, religion and years of marriage as obstacles to effective communication in marriage in Kogi State. DesignThe descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A multistage sampling method comprising purposive, stratified and simple random techniques was used to draw a sample of 660 married adults across the three senatorial districts in Kogi State. InstrumentThe research instrument adopted for the study was a researcher-developed questionnaire titled ‘Obstacles and Suggested Solutions to Effective Communication in Marriage Questionnaire’ (OSSECMQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Counselor Education Department, University of Ilorin. Two research questions were raised and answered. FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the respondents are of the view that obstacles to effective communication include getting home late on regular basis, harsh tone of voice during conversation and bringing up memories of past events, and suggested solutions to the obstacle to effective communication were; considering one's spouse's contribution, having trust in one's spouse and considering spouse's opinion when discussing issues. The implication of the study is that there is the need to sensitise the community at large on how effective communication can be practiced through seminar, awareness workshop e.t.c. RecommendationsIn relation to the findings of the study it was recommended that couples need to find ways to talk about their differences amicably through effective communication in order to have a healthy relationship. Couple should recognize everyone has a unique way of communicating his feelings and couples should enhance their relationship by understanding and applying a few rational communication concepts to their relationship.