AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE OF MARITAL CRISIS IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Marriage is regarded as one of the oldest social institutions ordained by God. It is considered to represent a lifelong commitment by two people, but sometimes this expectation is cut short because of marital crisis. Marital crisis is a serious issue for many families globally. Many families have disintegrated, while others live as if they are strangers because of persistent and unresolved crises in marriage. Therefore, the study sets out to assess the prevalence of marital crises in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study adopted social exchange theory as its theoretical base. A cross-sectional survey design and multi-stage sampling technique were utilized. A total of 200 respondents aged 18years and above were randomly sampled and a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were administered to generate data. The collected data were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency distribution tables. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with the thematic method of data analysis. Findings revealed that marital crisis is among the most underreported menace in Nigeria. Women are more vulnerable whenever there is crisis in the family. , there is a high prevalence of marital crises in Awka South LGA. It was also observed that there are various factors influencing the prevalence of marital crises and among these factors is the social incompatibility of married partners. Thus, the study recommended, among other things, the need to encourage prospective married partners to undertake marriage courses.