AN EVALUATION OF PSYCHOSOCIAL VARIABLES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE MARITAL STABILITY OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Marriage stands as the cornerstone of human relationships, forming the fundamental structure upon which families are built and future generations are raised (Nadar, 2018). Conceptually, marriage is defined as an intimate bond between individuals of opposite genders transitioning into the roles of husband and wife. Cumming, Marrilee, and George (2020) characterize marriage as a deliberate union aimed at procreation and the shared experience of family life, emphasizing its essence of permanence and exclusive commitment as determined by the couple. A successful and enduring marriage thrives on love, mutual respect, and the satisfaction of both partners within the relationship (Karney & Bradbury, 2020), fostering a healthy environment conducive to overall well-being. Furthermore, stability within marriage is crucial for the upbringing of responsible children (Lawrence, Rogers, Zajacova, & Wadsworth, 2019), yet instability arises when couples struggle to address conflicts effectively. The strategies employed by couples to navigate these challenges can significantly impact the intimacy within the relationship (Shakarami, Zahrakar, & Mohsenzadeh, 2016). Various factors such as education, age at marriage, employment status, physical health, and psychological well-being have been identified as predictors of marital stability (Adejori, Okolie, Musa, & Shehu, 2019).  Additionally, research indicates that children raised in stable family environments tend to perform better in various aspects of life, including academics and their own future marital relationships (Okon, 2020). However, this positive trajectory can be undermined if psychological and sociological factors influencing marital stability are not effectively addressed. In recent times, there has been an observed increase in marital challenges among intact families in Imo metropolis, leading to instability (Tolorunleke, 2018). nevertheless, marriages profoundly impact all dimensions of human existence, and failure within marriage can disrupt other areas of life. According to Jerrome (2018) the significance of marital life is evident in its integral role in providing care, material support, and stable companionship to couples. Nevertheless, a secure and consistent environment is often achieved within marriages characterized by permanence, presence, and availability. Despite the inherent benefits of marriage, phenomena such as remarriage, marital separation, and divorce have become prevalent in contemporary society. The escalation of unresolved conflicts contributes to marital instability due to inadequate management of essential variables crucial for sustaining marriages. Therefore, a survey will be conducted to evaluate psychosocial variables and their impact on the marital stability of female employees in Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

According to Dammaraju and Agadjanian (2018) as well as Udom, Annabuk, and Umana (2022), marital instability frequently leads to separation, divorce, and widowhood, which are prevalent social issues. Research findings (Whiteford et al., 2018; World Health Organisation, 2020) suggest that depression and anxiety are more prevalent among women than men. Eaton et al. (2018) also highlighted that women are more susceptible to mood and anxiety disorders. Comez-Ikican et al. (2020) found that women experiencing depressive symptoms often report lower marital satisfaction and face challenges related to sexual function. Additionally, studies have shown that the stability of marriage significantly impacts psychological well-being. It is in the light of these that the study seeks to evaluate psychosocial variables and their impact on the marital stability of female employees in Nigeria.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate psychosocial variables and their impact on the marital stability of female employees in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine the extent to which psychosocial variables impact  the marital stability of female employees in Nigeria.

2.Examine the psychosocial variables influencing marital stability among female employees.

3.Investigate the coping strategies employed by female employees to manage psychosocial variables and maintain marital stability.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

To what extent do psychosocial variables impact the marital stability of female employees in Nigeria?

What are the psychosocial variables that influence marital stability among female employees?

What coping strategies do female employees employ to manage psychosocial variables and maintain marital stability?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant relationship between psychosocial variables and marital stability among female employees in Nigeria.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between psychosocial variables and marital stability among female employees in Nigeria.

1.6  Significance of the Study

The study's findings will increase mutual understanding between spouses who are doing their hardest to communicate effectively, comprehend one another's personality features, build mutual trust, and improve their sexuality. All of these things will contribute to the peaceful continuation of marital unity and stability in families. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the impact of socioeconomic factors on quality of life of elderly  in Binji local government area, Sokoto state.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the impact of socioeconomic factors on quality of life of elderly  in Binji local government area, Sokoto state. Empirically, this study will determine the extent to which psychosocial variables impact  the marital stability of female employees in Nigeri, examine the psychosocial variables influencing marital stability among female employees and investigate the coping strategies employed by female employees to manage psychosocial variables and maintain marital stability.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to resident of Imo state, Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Marriage: a legally and socially acknowledged relationship between two people that is frequently marked by emotional, social, and financial ties as well as shared duties. 

Marital stability: describes a marriage's ability to endure and recover over time in the face of challenges, disagreements, and outside pressures without breaking down.

Psychosocial variables: these are factors that influence an individual's psychological and social well-being, encompassing a broad range of interrelated dimensions such as emotions, cognition, behavior, social interactions, and cultural norms.