Causes of Marital Instability in the Port-Harcourt Municipality, Nigeria: Solutions and Counselling Implications

Abstract

Over the years marriage instability has affected the growth and development of many Nigerian homes and children. Several factors could be responsible for this ugly situation. The study therefore focused on identifying some of these causes. A sample size of 150 subjects was thus interviewed in the Port Harcourt Municipality of the Rivers State of Nigeria. Responses from the subjects interviewed were analysed with descriptive statistics, percentages, bar charts and graphs. Results indicated that these causes are in clusters of five, viz; absence of love and trust, anti-social vices, economic, socio-cultural and sex-related conditions. It was also discovered in this study that self-control, peer group influence and spending quality time at home are the most positive indicators to marriage stability in our Nigerian homes. It is therefore recommended that pre-marital as well as family counseling be emphasized by both the government and professional counselors to nip in the bud the prevalence of these conditions to avoid instability in the family.

Keywords: Marital instability; causes; solutions; counseling implications

The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 14-24