psychosocial factors affecting marital stability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub county, Kisii county, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish factors that influence marital stability among middle aged couples in Suneka, Kisii, county. The research objectives were a) to find out the relationship between couples’ marriage conflicts and their effect on marital instability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya, to determine how couple’s demographics influences how psychosocial factors marital stability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya c) To determine how couple’s sense of self affects marital stability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya d) To identify how couples’ attitude/beliefs towards marriage affects marital stability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya. e) To establish how couples’ motivation to marriage affects marital stability among middle-aged couples in Suneka sub-county, Kisii county, Kenya. The target population of the research was 1000, with a focus on the middle-aged couples in Suneka, Kisii. The study was quantitative and employed a descriptive design. The study randomly drew a sample of 314 from the target population using Yaro Yamane formulae. The data was collected using a questionnaire with 32 items. The researcher the questionnaire to the 314 respondents and after two months she went back and collected the filled questionnaires. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The data was presented using tables and pie charts. The study recommends that married couples need help in learning how to deal with conflicts. Teaching biblical principles of marriage can reduce if not end the trend of marital instability. This would be in line with Christian believe that God created man and woman and blessed their union to be a lifetime. However, as other factors may center on highly functioning marriages, quality sex life among couples is the main tributary of it (communication) to enhance the joyful and thankful relationship.