Incidence and causes of marital infidelity as perceived by secondary school teachers in Orlu Educational Zone of Imo State

Abstract

The study investigated the incidence and causes of marital infidelity in Orlu Educational Zone of Imo State. The researcher used both purposive and the simple random sampling techniques in selecting the schools and participants in the study. Thus, 40 public secondary schools were purposively selected out of the 83 secondary schools in Orlu Educational Zone while 600 married teachers consisting of192 males and 408 females were randomly selected from 1211 married teachers in the 83 schools. Two researcher developed questionnaires titled Questionnaire on Incidence and perceived causes of Marital Infidelity I & II (QIPCMI & II) wee used in collecting data for the study. Research question was analysed with the chi-square (X²). The study revealed among others that marital infidelity is highly prevalent in Orlu Educational Zone, that there is gender difference in the factors that influence involvement in, marital infidelity and that the level of involvement is significantly dependent on gender. Thus, more males are involved than females. Suggestions for measures that could be used in reducing marital infidelity were discussed.

The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 9(1) 2004: 270-285