AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF INCREASING MARITAL PROBLEMS IN KADUNA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT: The present investigation was conducted with the primary objective of scrutinising the underlying factors and ramifications of marital discord, employing the urban area of Kaduna as a representative case study. The utilisation of the survey research design was employed in the course of this particular investigation. The researcher employed a structural questionnaire as the research instrument to gather pertinent data from 120 participants regarding the subject matter of the study. Out of this sample, a total of 105 questionnaires were obtained and subsequently analysed using a simple percentage calculation. The empirical evidence suggests that the manifestation of crises within the confines of matrimonial abodes is precipitated by a myriad of factors, encompassing incongruity in social and sexual spheres, dearth of conjugal assurance, the pernicious intrusion of extraneous entities, financial perturbations, and a plethora of other variables. The ramifications of marital crises have been discerned to encompass a multitude of adverse effects, encompassing the deterioration of mental, emotional, and physical well-being among both spouses and their offspring. Additionally, such crises have been found to engender instances of physical violence and endanger the lives of partners involved. Furthermore, the societal repercussions are not to be overlooked, as they manifest in the exacerbation of social vices and criminal activities, including but not limited to drug abuse, kidnapping, and prostitution. Moreover, the destabilising impact of these crises on the familial unit often leads to the unfortunate consequence of children dropping out of educational institutions, as they grapple with the tumultuous environment of a home plagued by strife and disintegration. Consequently, the study posits that the implementation of management strategies pertaining to marital crises is highly advisable. These strategies encompass pre-marriage orientation, seminars, workshops, and counselling sessions. Furthermore, it has been discerned that the education system possesses considerable efficacy in mitigating the perilous nature of marital crises. Consequently, a curriculum-based strategy has been put forth, advocating for the incorporation of pre-marriage courses and family living into the fundamental framework of the Basic Education Programme. Couples ought to strive to amplify attitudes of collaboration, appreciating the essence of partnership, exemplifying trust, overall benevolence towards each other, and upholding positive principles within the sacred institution of matrimony. Family counsellors should assist individuals in the process of instilling these various elements into their lives.