COUNSELLING SERVICES AS PREDICTOR OF MARITAL SUCCESS AMONG COUPLES IN BENIN METROPOLIS, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined marital counselling services as predictors of marital success in Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically investigated how access to and use of marital counselling services influence marital quality, stability, and satisfaction among married individuals. A correlational survey research design was adopted, involving married persons across selected local government areas in Edo State. A total population of 1,200 out of which 400 respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure balanced representation across age, gender, educational level, and socio-economic status. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire titled Marital Counselling and Marital Success Scale (MCMSS), with a reliability coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach’s Alpha. Four research questions and three hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance It was therefore concluded that marital counselling significantly improves success by fostering better communicates emotional empathy and conflict resolution. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between marital counselling services and marital success in Edo State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended among others that government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and faith- based institutions should organize public enlightenment campaigns to promote the importance of marital counselling.

DOI: https://doie.org/10.50390/SER.2026594987