RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARITAL INSTABILITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND FACTORS OF PARENTS FROM SOUTH EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was on the relationship between marital instability and socio-economic background factors of parents from south eastern states of Nigeria. Correlation survey design was used to carry out the study. The population of the study was all the registered family under 10 years of civil marriage in south eastern state of Nigeria consisting of 10,000 families. The sample size was 2000 couples chosen using multi-stage sampling technique. The research instrument was a researcher developed instrument consisting of four clusters which examined the relationship between marital instability and socioeconomic background factors of parents from south eastern states of Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study and the data collected were analyzed using Parsons Product moment of correlation coefficient. The results revealed a positive correlation between marital instability and socioeconomic background factors (Education level, family level of expenditure, job/occupation and social standing) of parents. The following recommendations among others were made: proper marriage formation/instructions should be encouraged among intending couples and religious leaders should intensify post marriage instructional classes devoting much attention to conflict resolution in marriages. Government should endeavor to improve on the quality standard of living for the citizens.