INFLUENCE OF PREMARITAL COUNSELLING ON MARITAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG MARRIED STUDENTS OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

 This study examined the influence of premarital counselling on marital adjustment among married students of public universities in Taraba State Premarital counselling is a process that aims at preparing those who plan to get married with knowledge on how to improve their relationship once they are married. However, with the rate of increase in divorce these days as observed by the researcher, it has prompted this work in order to look at the effectiveness of the premarital counselling on marital adjustment. The research was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. A cross sectional survey design was adopted, with a sample size of 452 drawn from a population of 1572 through purposive sampling. Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ) was used to collect data, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square of mean standard deviation to answer the research Questions. The findings revealed that; premarital conflict management counselling significantly influences marital adjustment among married students. Similarly, premarital emotional intimacy counselling was found to significantly enhances marital adjustment, strengthening emotional bonds. The study concluded that premarital counselling is pivotal for fostering marital harmony and adjustment among married students. It recommended that counselling centres in public universities should expanded to include premarital counselling programs tailored to address conflict management, emotional intimacy, effective communication, and sexual satisfaction. The Study also recommend that intended couples should be encourage to participate actively in a premarital counselling programmes These initiatives would help intending couples develop the skills necessary for building resilient and fulfilling marital relationships.