MARITAL STABILITY AND FULFILMENT AS CORRELATES OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN IKWUANO L. G. A, ABIA STATE

MARITAL STABILITY AND FULFILMENT AS CORRELATES OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN IKWUANO L. G. A, ABIA STATE

MARITAL STABILITY AND FULFILMENT AS CORRELATES OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN IKWUANO L. G. A, ABIA STATE

BY

AGHADINAZU, REBECCA EYIUCHE (PhD)

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&

OBOCHI, ESTHER NDUAMAKA

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PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

MICHEAL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE UMUAHIA

ABSTRACT

The study investigated marital stability and fulfilment as correlates of mental health among married persons in Ikwuano local Government Area of Abia State. The study in   its   content covered the extent to which marital stability and fulfilment relate to mental health of married persons who are the flag bearers in every family. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study employed the correlational research design. The population of the study constitutes all the married persons in Ikwuano local government area of Umuahia, Abia State. One hundred and Fifty (150) married persons who were purposively selected from Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Demonstration Schools of the university (MOUAU) were used as sample for the study. Researchers’ developed instruments titled Marital Stability as Correlates of Mental Health among Married Couples (MSCMH), Marital Fulfilment as Correlates of Mental Health among Married Couples (MFCMH) and Mental Health of Married Couples [MHMC] were used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient was used to calculate reliability coefficient of the instrument and a reliability index of 0.88 was obtained. Mean and Standard Deviation scores were used to answer the research questions while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that marital stability and fulfilment correlate with mental health as they give credence to a strong as well as peaceful relationship which transcends across boundaries to impact positively not only on the married persons and their family members but by implication the society and consequently, the nation.

Key words: Marital, Stability, Fulfilment, Mental health and Married persons.

INTRODUCTION

In our society today, many persons face challenges in their relationships which in most cases lead to dissolution of such union if not properly handled.  Cases of persons whose marriages crash few months after wedlock abound. This is an indication that such married persons may have ventured into the marital relationships for the wrong reasons, immaturity and devoid of adequate knowledge of what marital relationships entails or better still, forced into the marriage among others. Thus, in a bid to endure a poor relationship rather than opt out for fear of stigmatization in the society some married persons develop mental health and resultant consequences.

Married persons are the foundation layers and flag bearers in the family which is the basic unit of the society. Their relationships by implication, affects not only the immediate family members but, the society and consequently, the nation. Thus, the journey towards a strong and peaceful marital union demands that married person’s should make necessary transitions towards marital stability and fulfilment which the researchers’ posit may correlate with mental health and are antidotes against marital friction. Stability and fulfilment in marital relationship creates room for good family climate which according to Aghadinazu and Ifelunni (2016), refers to the general condition of the home with respect to the positive relationship which exists between its members. Following the above, the researchers’ opine that, marital relationship is an important support for parenting. This is because, when married persons report more intimacy and better communication in their relationship, they are more affectionate to their children and significant others in the society. However, the above ideal can only be possible in a relationship that is, marked with stability and fulfilment which in turn, promote good mental health among the individuals and other family members.

According to George (2002), family stability and fulfilment promote sustainable family growth and development. Also,   Waite and Gallagher (2002), maintain that marital stability contributes to married person’s improved physical, mental, psychological health and longevity as well as material wealth. In line with the above, Ogunleye and Oke (2014), opine that stability and fulfilment promote family peace as well as mental health of the members. In the same vein, the researchers’ opine that for marital relationship to be satisfying there must be stability and fulfillment. Such a family is marked with love, peace, understanding, cooperation, tolerance, endurance among others which imparts positively on their children and wards. Odoemelam, Chuma, Justin, Ikpeazu and Igboanusi (2004), assert that married persons should pay undiluted attention towards achieving stability and fulfilment for longevity as many marital relationships have disintegrated on account of instability and lack of fulfilment which on the other hand, promote poor mental health which gives credence to other problems in the family.

According to McDon (2007), marital relationship is like a ship which its workability or movement solely depends on the couple whose union is marked with stability and fulfilment which are necessary for good mental health. In line with the above, the researchers opine that lack of stability and fulfillment create room for marital friction which may come inform of emotional distancing, nagging, bickering, husband/ wife battering, dissolution among others, which are aspects of mental health. Henry and Huizinog (2007), opines that stability and fulfilment promote family relationship which correlate with mental health. Also, marital stability and fulfilment correlate with mental health as they promote a strong as well as peaceful relationship which transcends across boundaries to impact positively not only on the couple/ family but by implication the society and consequently, the nation. According to McDon (2007), love and intimacy which develop in a union marked with stability & fulfilment is the key to any successful and intact marital relationship. They make it possible for any married persons   to successfully work through any problem no matter the difficulties involved as well as impact positively on their children.

 In line with the above, Oison and Defrain (2000) opine that, stability and fulfilment give room for love and intimacy to develop which are like forces that bind families and society together. They provide emotional support as well as buffer against stress while preserving the physical, mental, emotional and psychological health of the couples and family members. According to researchers’ it is only when the couples are physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically balanced that, they can make meaningful contribution in their families with respect to the upbringing of their children and society at large. Thus, it is pertinent for married persons to work towards achieving stability and fulfilment in their relationships which work in synergy to promote mental health. According to World Health Organization (WHO, 2007), mental health is conceptualized as a state of well- being in which the individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life,  work productively, fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her family / community. Also, it is the foundation for well-being and effective functioning. Thus, stability, fulfilment and good mental health affords couples the opportunity to stick together and jointly play parental roles towards the upbringing of their children/ wards in their relationship rather than, engage in divorce or separation as the case may be which has constituted to series of problem in the society. Also, children and wards enjoy effective parenting, their chances of becoming productive members of the society is greatly increased rather, than being delinquents who foment problems in the society.

Considering the problems associated with marital relationships in the society, there is need to investigate marital stability and fulfilment as correlates of mental health of married couples.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In our society today, marital relationship is full of paradoxes. While some married persons enjoy stability as they are fulfilled, many are faced with challenges of separation, dissolution or divorce among others, which may have implications for mental health of the couples and consequently, the behaviors’ of the products of the marital relationship. When couples record stability and fulfilment in their relationships, they have good mental health.  They are more coordinated both physically, socially, psychologically and otherwise. Also, they are more disposed to play positive parental roles towards the upbringing of their children and wards.  Thus, marital stability and fulfilment appears too essential for establishing a peaceful home which may likely promote mental health among other.

Unfortunately, literature  available to the researchers’ seemed to show dearth studies on marital relationship as it relates to stability, fulfilment and mental health thereby, creating the gap which this study filled by investigating marital stability and fulfilment as correlates of  mental health among couples in Ikwuano local Government area of Abia State.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Generally, the purpose of this study was to examine marital stability and fulfilment as correlates of mental health in Ikwuano L.G. A OF Abia State. Specifically, the study examined:

  1. The relationship between marital stability and mental health among married persons.
  2. The relationship between fulfilment and mental health among married persons.

 

 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions guided the study:

  1. What is the relationship between marital stability and mental health among married persons?
  2. What is the relationship between marital fulfilment and mental health among married persons?
  3. What is the effect of stability and fulfillment on mental health of married persons?

HYPOTHESIS

One hypothesis which was tested at 0.05 level of significance was used for the study

HO1:    Marital stability and fulfillment will significantly predict mental health among married persons.

METHODOLOGY

Correlational design was used for the study. The researchers’ chose correlational design as it will indicate the direction and magnitude of the relationship between the variables under study. Samples of one hundred and fifty (150) married personss who were purposively selected from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Demonstration Schools of the University (MOUAU) were used as sample for the study. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Researchers developed instruments titled Marital Stability as Correlates of Mental Health among Married Persons (MSCMH), Marital Fulfilment as Correlates of Mental Health among Married Persons and Mental Health of Married Persons [MHMP] which had four clusters ranging from Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD) were validated by three experts and used for the study. The mean rating of 2.5 indicates acceptance of the items while that below 2.5 indicates rejected. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyse scores used in determining the reliability of the instrument. Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient was used to calculate reliability coefficient of the instrument and a reliability index of 0.88, 0.68 and 0.81 respectively were obtained. Mean and Standard Deviation scores were used to answer the research questions while t- test statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

Table 1:          What is the Relationship Between Marital Stability and Mental Health                                    among Maried Persons?

S/N

Item

S.D

Remark

1

Establishing good communication with one’s spouse promotes  happiness and longevity

3.24

0.56

Accept

2

Love and affection are not necessary for stability and good mental health

2.28

1.17

Reject

3

Couples physical and mental health to some extent depend on  the  stability of the relationship

3.53

0.50

Accept

4

A couples psychological wellbeing is affected when their relationship lack stability

2.61

1.12

Accept

5

Marital stability gives room to the mental wellbeing of the couple and family members

2.64

1.03

Accept

6.

Effective functioning of the couple is not dependent on the  stability of  the relationship with respect to the couples abilities to tolerate and accommodate each other

2.27

1.13

Reject

7.

Sexual relationship which exists between couples promote stability and mental health

3.20

0.75

Accept

8.

Emotional distancing and nagging does not affect the stability and mental health of couples

2.13

1.03

Reject

9.

The couples ability to make proper  decision in the family is not  dependent on the stability of the union

1.73

0.86

Reject  

10.

Peaceful coexistence of couple may likely be promoted when the relationship is stable

2.76

1.06

Accept

 

Grand mean

2.64

0.92

Accept

 

Table 1 reveals the mean and standard deviation on the relationship between marital stability and mental health among married persons. It was observed that the mean scores of the following items 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 are above 2.5 which signifies acceptance of the items while items 2, 6, 8 and 9 reveals rejection of the items based on the low mean below 2.5. However, the rejection has positive connotations. Therefore, this is an indication that a positive relationship exist between marital stability and mental health among married persons.

Table 2:          What is the Relationship Between Marital Fulfilment and Mental Health                                among married persons?

S/N

Item

S.D

Remark

1

Mental health of the couple depends on how fulfilled they are in the relationship

2.59

1.05

Accept

2

Affection and love which are    keys to good mental health in most cases does not determine marital fulfillment

2.27

1.00

Reject

3

When there is marital fulfillment, psychological and mental health being becomes evident

2.80

1.11

Accept

4

Fulfillment is not always necessary for intact marital relationship

1.60

0.96

Reject

5

Lack of fulfillment most often  leads to problems in the family which mars the mental health of members

2.73

0.93

Accept

6.

Fulfillment is one of   the key factor  to love and harmony

2.69

1.01

Accept

7.

Fulfillment is vital for couple coordination of family affairs and by implication improved wellbeing.

3.33

0.47

Accept

8.

Marital fulfillment may promote peaceful coexistence among couples which gives credence to their mental health

3.13

0.62

Accept

9.

For a couple to overlook one another’s faults/shortcomings which is necessary for good mental health, marital fulfillment is necessary.

3.40

0.49

Accept

10.

Happiness is promoted; wife/husband battering is discouraged which promote good mental wellbeing when couples are fulfilled in the relationship.

3.13

0.34

Accept

 

Grand mean

2.77

0.79

Accept

 

Table 2 reveals that the mean and standard deviations of items 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are above 2.5 which shows acceptance of the items. Items 2 and 4 have mean scores below 2.5 and are rejected. However, the rejection has positive connotations which implies that a positive relationship exist between marital fulfilment and mental health among married persons.

Question 3:     What is the effect of the relationship between stability, fulfillment and mental                        health of married persons?

S/N

Item

S.D

Remark

1

Depression is one of the mental health issues associated with relationships devoid of stability and fulfillment

3.71

0.46

Accept

2

Some married persons often take to alcohol and drug use due to poor marital relationship

3.50

0.77

Accept

3

Sleeping disorder is a mental health problem associated with partners in an unstable relationship

3.10

0.84

Accept

4

Marital conflict is often associated with instability and fulfillment in relationships and undermines a partners  physical health

2.87

0.99

Accept

5

Persons in a high-conflict marriage might be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and drinking which affect mental health

3.13

1.03

Accept

6

Being in a low-quality marriage might deplete a sense of meaning and purpose in life

2.77

1.06

Accept

7

Depression owing to instability and lack of fulfillment in a marital relationship leads to onset or aggravation of physical health conditions

3.53

0.68

Accept

8

Individuals suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and substance use, often experience decreased marital quality

2.90

0.84

Accept

9

Lack of stability and fulfillment may cause emotional distancing, nagging, bickering, husband/ wife battering which are aspects of mental health

3.17

0.83

Accept

10

Married persons who are physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically balanced are less likely to suffer mental health issues

3.27

0.73

Accept

 

Grand mean

3.19

0.83

Accept

 

Table 3 reveals the mean and standard deviation on the effect of the relationship between stability, fulfilment and mental health of married persons. It was observed that the mean scores of all the items were above 2.5 which show that the items were accepted. Therefore, it is an indication that a positive relationship exist between the three variables under study.

Table 4: Test of hypothesis

Marital stability and fulfilment will significantly predict mental health among married persons.

 

Model

Sum of Squares

Df

Mean Square

F

Sig.

 

Regression

.108

2

.054

.583

.583b

Residual

.649

148

.093

 

 

Total

.757

150

 

 

 

a. Dependent Variable: mental health

b. Predictors: (Constant), marital fulfillment, marital stability

 

Data in Table 4 above show that the F- value of .583 and the mean square of .054 are significant at .583 comparing with P-value of 0.05, the null hypothesis that marital stability and fulfilment will significantly predict mental health among married persons is accepted.

 

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

Discussion

The result revealed that a positive relationship exist between marital stability and mental health among married persons. This result is in agreement with Henry and Huizinog (2007),that stability and fulfilment promote family relationship which correlate with mental health. Also, George (2002), found out that family stability and fulfilment promote sustainable family growth and development. In line with the above, Waite and Gallagher (2002), maintains that marital stability contributes to the couples improved physical, mental, psychological health and longevity as well as material wealth.

The findings also, revealed that a positive relationship exist between marital fulfilment, stability and mental health among married couples. This finding coincides with Ogunleye and Oke (2014), that stability and fulfilment promote family peace as well as mental health of the members. In the same vein, the researchers’ opines that for marital relationship to be satisfying there must be stability and fulfilment. Any family with stability and fulfilment is marked with love, peace, understanding, cooperation, tolerance, endurance among others which imparts positively on their children and wards. Also, Odoemelam, Chuma, Justin, Ikpeazu and Igboanusi (2004), asserts that couples should pay undiluted attention towards achieving stability and fulfilment for longevity as many marital relationships have disintegrated on account of instability and lack of fulfilment which on the other hand, promote poor mental health which gives credence to other problems in the family.Thus, stability, fulfilment and good mental health affords couples the opportunity to stick together and jointly play parental roles towards the upbringing of their children/ wards in their relationship rather than, engage in divorce or separation as the case may be which has constituted to series of problems in the society. Also, children and wards that enjoy effective parenting, their chances of becoming productive members of the society are greatly increased rather, than being delinquents who constitute problems in the society.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively, issues bothering on marital stability, fulfilment and mental health among married persons pose great challenges which have contributed to dissolution of many marital relationships including newly established ones in our society today. Also, delinquent behaviors among children and youth can be reduced if couples record stability, fulfilment and good mental health in their relationships. This is because, the better and more positive their marital relationships, the more effective their parenting and the better the products of their relationships and by implication, the society. Therefore, it is pertinent for professional counsellors to address the issues which relate to stability, fulfilment and mental health among married persons in our contemporary society,

COUNSELING IMPLICATIONS

Counseling is a helping process through which individuals and families are assisted to resolve their problems, develop better relationships with one another and work towards the achievement of their set out goals for self-satisfaction and productivity. Thus, based on the problems most couples encounter in their marital relationships which have resulted to instability and disintegration of marital relationships in our society today, it is pertinent for professional Counselors to work towards assisting married persons to achieve fulfilment, stability and good mental health necessary for longevity.

The implication is that, Counsellors should advocate for the introduction and implementation of family life education in senior secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions. According to Bredehoft and Walceski (2003), “family life education focuses on healthy family functioning within a family system perspective and provides primarily preventive approach”.  Also, Osaigbovo and John (2015), asserts that it is concerned with the study of attitudes and skills which relates to dating, marriage, parenting, family health and life of the family as a socio- cultural and economic unit in the society. Therefore, the researchers’, opines that family life education will be a good avenue in equipping and preparing future couples with the relevant information as it concerns marital relationships. This will be a step towards preparing them emotionally, socially and otherwise for the task ahead thereby, limiting the problems associated with marital relationships in the society. Also, Professional Counsellors should embark on personal­-social counseling and propagate information relating to marital stability, fulfillment, mental health among others through their different programmes such as seminars, workshops, conferences, radio and television presentations, journal publications and  postings in the net.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Government to establish functional marriage counseling centers and clinics in every state of the federation where both couples and intending ones can solicit for assistance as the case may be.
  2. Counsellors to assist in conducting pre-marital counseling in churches with particular reference to the (Catholic, Anglican and other Orthodox churches) rather than leaving it solely for the ministers of God and the religious. The aim is to make input to the programme based on their professional expertise and experience. By so doing, intending couples are educated and equipped with vital information regarding to sexual relationships, courtship, tolerance, communication, building of strong relationships among others. These will in turn, help to curtail marital problems associated with stability, fulfilment, and mental health among others in the society.

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

Aghadinazu, R. E. and Ifelunni, I. C. S. (2016). Coping strategies of single parents in Lagos State. Journal of Community and Communication Research (JCCR), 1: 2

George, I. N. (2002). Marital role adjustment and satisfaction among Ibibio workers in Akwa Ibom State. Unpublished Ph.D Dissertation. Faculty of Education, University of Calabar.

McDon, F. A .O. (2007). The thorns and roses of marriage. Excellent visuals

Odoemelam, Chuma, Justin, Ikpeazu and Igboanusi (20 04). Renewing the joy of marriage: handbook for couples. Joe mankpa publishers. Isbn 978-38155-1-2, owerri.   

Ogunleye, A. J. and Oke, O. S. (2014). Effect of sexual assertiveness and sexual self-esteem on sexual self disclosure among heterosexual adolescents in Nigeria. Elixir Journal of Social Science, 47: 8817 – 8820.

Osaigbovo, E. J. and John, O. E. (2015). Family life education: a vital tool for reducing marital instability among youths in Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 5:  2.

Waite, L. J. and Gallagher, M. (2002). The case for marriage: Why married people are happier, healthier and better off financially. New York: Broadway Books. New York: Doubledney.

World Health Organization (WHO (2007), mental health: strengthening mental health promotion. September (https://mindyourmindproject.org)

 Olson, D. H. and DeFrain, J.(2000). Marriage and the family Diversity and Strengths. London: Mayfield Publishing Company: 3rd edition.

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