THE ROLE OF PREMARITAL AND MARITAL COUNSELING IN ENHANCING MARITAL STABILITY AMONG COUPLES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Marriage is widely regarded as one of the most important institutions in human society, forming the foundation for family life and societal continuity. In Nigeria, the institution of marriage is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social frameworks that define roles, expectations, and responsibilities. However, the rapid socio-cultural transformations and economic pressures of the 21st century have placed significant strain on the stability of marital unions. Scholars such as Oyekanmi and Ogunbanwo (2022) have observed that the traditional support systems that once sustained marriages in Nigerian communities are gradually eroding, leading to rising cases of marital instability, divorce, and emotional distress among couples. Against this backdrop, the relevance of counseling—particularly premarital and marital counseling—has gained scholarly attention as a critical tool in fostering marital harmony and resilience. Premarital counseling typically involves structured guidance sessions aimed at preparing couples for the challenges of married life by addressing issues related to communication, conflict resolution, role expectations, financial management, and sexual relations. Marital counseling, on the other hand, focuses on helping couples already in union to navigate the complexities of relationship dynamics. According to Akinade (2021), counseling offers couples an opportunity to confront personal and relational issues before they become unmanageable, thereby enhancing their ability to build and sustain a stable marital relationship. Studies across various cultural contexts, including Nigeria, show that couples who undergo counseling report higher levels of satisfaction and emotional stability in their unions (Adedokun & Aluko, 2023). Recent data suggest that the prevalence of marital instability in Nigeria is on the rise, with a notable increase in divorce petitions in both urban and rural areas. Factors such as poor communication, infidelity, domestic violence, unmet expectations, and financial strain are among the leading causes. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), divorce rates in Nigerian urban centers have increased by 25% in the last five years. This situation is exacerbated by limited access to quality counseling services and a general lack of awareness about the benefits of professional marital guidance. Scholars like Nwankwo and Uzoechina (2021) argue that many couples still perceive counseling as a last resort, sought only in the face of crisis, rather than a proactive approach to building strong relationships. The importance of counseling for marital stability is further highlighted by its psychological and sociological benefits. Counseling helps individuals and couples to develop emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, and self-awareness—traits that are essential for managing interpersonal relationships. In addition, it promotes mental health and wellbeing, which are often jeopardized in unstable marital settings. Okonkwo and Balogun (2023) note that counseling interventions have significantly reduced the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders among married individuals. Moreover, stable marriages contribute positively to the upbringing of children and community development, further underscoring the societal relevance of this subject. Despite the proven benefits, the uptake of counseling services remains relatively low in many Nigerian settings. This is partly due to cultural stigmas, lack of trained counselors, and insufficient integration of counseling services within healthcare and community structures. Research by Eze and Yusuf (2022) highlights that even when counseling is available, many couples prefer spiritual or familial mediation, which may not adequately address the psychological dimensions of marital conflicts. Consequently, there is a pressing need to promote counseling literacy and expand professional counseling services, particularly in under-served areas. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the role of premarital and marital counseling in enhancing marital stability among couples in Nigeria. By focusing on both urban and rural communities, the research aims to provide an empirical basis for policy and practice reforms that can improve marital outcomes and family life. In doing so, it contributes to a growing body of literature that advocates for the institutionalization of counseling as a fundamental component of marital preparation and sustenance in Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Marital instability is increasingly becoming a pervasive issue in Nigeria, characterized by rising divorce rates, emotional dissatisfaction, and familial disintegration. While several studies have acknowledged socio-economic, cultural, and interpersonal factors as root causes, the role of counseling remains underexplored and underutilized. In particular, there is a gap in understanding how premarital and marital counseling can proactively prevent or resolve marital issues. Instances of marital breakdown are evident across both low- and high-income populations in Nigeria. Among low-income groups, financial hardship, unemployment, and lack of basic needs often ignite tension between spouses, while high-income couples frequently grapple with emotional detachment, infidelity, and competing professional demands. The inability to resolve such issues amicably often leads to separation, with significant psychological and economic consequences. Counseling could serve as a critical intervention, yet many couples in these strata either lack access or are unaware of its potential benefits. A similar disparity exists between urban and rural communities. In urban centers, there is a growing availability of professional counselors, yet many couples still hesitate to seek help due to social stigma or time constraints. In contrast, rural areas often lack trained counseling personnel and infrastructure, making it almost impossible for couples to access professional support. This situation calls for a tailored approach to promoting and integrating counseling services into the fabric of both rural and urban life. While a number of empirical studies have assessed the causes of marital instability in Nigeria, few have focused specifically on the effectiveness of counseling interventions. Moreover, there is limited data from Lagos State—a cosmopolitan hub with diverse populations—on how counseling influences marital stability. This study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing counseling practices and their outcomes among married and intending couples in Lagos State. 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. To examine the prevalence of marital instability among couples in Lagos State. 2. To assess the level of access and utilization of premarital and marital counseling services. 3. To identify the perceived benefits of counseling in enhancing marital stability. 4. To determine the relationship between counseling interventions and marital satisfaction. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the prevalence of marital instability among couples in Lagos State? 2. To what extent do couples access and utilize premarital and marital counseling services? 3. What are the perceived benefits of counseling among couples? 4. What is the relationship between counseling interventions and marital satisfaction? 1.5 Research Hypotheses 1. There is no significant relationship between counseling interventions and marital stability among couples in Lagos State. 2. There is no significant difference in marital satisfaction between couples who received counseling and those who did not. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study holds significant value for the academic community by contributing to the body of knowledge on marital counseling in the Nigerian context. It offers empirical insights into how counseling can be integrated into social and marital systems to promote family stability. Furthermore, it extends scholarly discourse by introducing contextual dynamics such as urban-rural divides and socio-economic variations. Healthcare providers, especially mental health professionals and family therapists, will benefit from the findings as they offer a framework for designing more effective counseling interventions. The study highlights the need for structured training and deployment of qualified counselors in both rural and urban settings to address marital challenges proactively. From a societal perspective, promoting counseling as a mainstream marital support mechanism could reduce the incidence of divorce, enhance child wellbeing, and foster community cohesion. The study’s findings can inform public policy on family welfare, contributing to healthier, more resilient Nigerian families. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study is delimited to the role of premarital and marital counseling in enhancing marital stability among couples in Lagos State, Nigeria. The independent variables include counseling interventions (premarital and marital counseling), while the dependent variable is marital stability. The study covers both qualitative and quantitative dimensions to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. The population includes married individuals and those preparing for marriage (intending couples) across selected urban and rural localities in Lagos State. By focusing on diverse socio-economic groups, the study seeks to provide generalizable insights that reflect the multifaceted nature of marriage in Nigeria. 1.8 Operational Definition of Terms 1. Premarital Counseling: Structured guidance provided to couples before marriage, focusing on skills and knowledge necessary for a stable union. 2. Marital Stability: A condition where couples experience sustained satisfaction, effective communication, and conflict resolution without separation or divorce. 3. Marital Counseling: A therapeutic process where married couples receive professional support to address and resolve relational issues. 4. Counseling Intervention: Any structured, professional effort aimed at resolving personal or relational challenges within a marital context.