Statistical Evaluation of Emotional and Social Stress Influence on Marital Adjustment among Married Couples in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Marital adjustment among couples is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be significantly influenced by various factors, including emotional and social stress, In Ekiti state, Nigeria, where cultural expectations and socioeconomic pressures can overwhelm couples, testing their marital resilience. This study evaluates the influence of emotional and social stress on marital adjustment among married couples in Ekiti state, Nigeria. A survey of 1000 married couples from 10 Local Government Areas, in Ekiti state was conducted. The instrument’s reliability was validated using Cronbach’s Alpha Index (0.75), which is considered moderately high. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Package (Version 23). The Mode and Percentage were used for the descriptive aspect, while the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, an alternative to T-test and ANOVA respectively were used in testing the hypothesis. Results reveal that married couples show resilience in handling emotional and social issues. They struggle with sleeping incomparability, adjusting to spouse’s friends and managing fear of uncertainty. Married couples also face challenges balancing parenting responsibility, prioritizing job over relationship and adjusting to in-law interference. The study identified the following factors as contributors to the influence of emotional and social stress on marital adjustment. The factors include; age of Spouse, length of marriage, number of children, educational Status and occupation of spouse. Emotional and social stress play a critical role in marital adjustment. Couples, policymakers, and marriage counsellors can benefit from this research by promoting healthy marital relationships.