Interpersonal Correlates of Marital Harmony Among Seventh-day Adventists in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Being married and remaining married is a mark of honour and signals a personal capacity for responsibility. In recognition of this, the society (including the church) is favourably disposed to assigning positions of responsibility to persons who are honourably married than to those who are yet to marry or whose marriages have broken down. Beyond societal expectations, it is the desire of every married person to enjoy and not endure their marriage. This can only be realised where the interpersonal relationship between the couple is cordial and free from traits inimical to marital harmony. Sadly, many marriages are shrouded with various shades of interpersonal deficiencies such as poor interpersonal communication, sexual dissatisfaction, aggression, and financial impropriety. This correlational study analysed data from a sample of 611 married members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Akwa Ibom State to determine the relationship between four interpersonal variables and marital harmony among these couples. The results obtained showed that the four interpersonal variables (communication, sexual satisfaction, financial management, and anger management) all had significant relationships with marital harmony. Based on this, it was recommended, among other things, that couples be assisted through assessment and counselling to identify interpersonal skills deficiencies and make appropriate adjustments in order to foster harmony in their marriage.

Keywords: Interpersonal Relationship; Marital Harmony; Communication Skills; Sexual Satisfaction; Financial Management; Anger Management; Marriage Counselling

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/71-02

Publication date:July 31^st 2023