Psycho-social factors as a Correlate of Marital Satisfaction among Couples in northwest Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Marriage as a process of raising a family is an important institution in every society. As such, it has been assumed that a successful marriage is associated with both physiological and psychological health. However, these factors that correlate with marital satisfaction remain unclear and given little attention. The study, therefore, focuses on psychosocial factors as a correlate of marital satisfaction among Couples in the North West Senatorial District of Benue State, Nigeria. the social exchange theory was used to explain the factors that influence marital satisfaction among the couple in the area. To field carry out the study, the researchers adopted the survey research design. The target population of the study includes all the married couples in the North West Senatorial district of Benue State, Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 385 couples. The research instrument was a questionnaire. The data were collected using a questionnaire, and key informants' interviews. The mean and standard deviation of the main variables were calculated and presented with the use of SPSS. The Pearson correlation moment was used to test the correlation between independent variables and the dependent variable. The study revealed among others that psychological factors such as self-esteem, intimacy, and affection were correlated with marital satisfaction. The study also revealed that social factors such as communication, presence of child or children, sexual satisfaction, and closeness have a positive correlation on marital satisfaction among couples in the area. The study suggests among others that the governmental and non-government agencies should carry out more campaigns, workshops, symposiums, conferences to sensitised couples on the right attitudes for a satisfactory marriage for peaceful co-existence in the area.