Psychosocial correlates of marital satisfaction among selected couples in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

Cases of separations and divorce among couples have been on the increase in the recent time, particularly in Lagos metropolis; this is due to lack of marital satisfaction. The study aims at examining psychological and social factors that correlate marital satisfaction among selected couples in Lagos metropolis. The research was carried out among married workers in public and private sector in the selected area. The participants consisted of 341 married workers who met the inclusion criteria of being married for one year, having completed secondary school and being at least 19 years old. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in the selection of subjects for the study. Respondents were administered with Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21); a self-report instrument that measures three related negative emotional states which are depression, anxiety and stress. They also responded to Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS). The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 17th version). The first hypothesis was tested using multiple regression, while the second and third hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The result of the study showed that participants who reported low marital satisfaction were found to be high on measures on depression, anxiety and stress. These three variables were also found to have joint influence on marital satisfaction. (R² = 0.03, F (3,337) = 3.71, p <.05); there was no significant relationship between socio-economic status and marital satisfaction (r= -.05, p>.05) but the study found a significant negative relationship between depression and marital satisfaction (r= -.13, p<.05). The study discussed how lack of marital satisfaction poses a great threat to the stability and survival of families in Nigeria and thus offered recommendations.