SELF-CONCEPT AND MARITAL SATISFACTION OF MARRIED PERSONS IN AKWA IBOM STATE IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

Abstract

The study examined self-concept and marital satisfaction among couples in Akwa Ibom State. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. To guide the study, three research questions and three hypotheses were raised.  The population of the study comprised all couples estimated at 1,590 (Source: National Bureau of Statistics Executive Summary). A sample of 420 married persons were selected for the study through multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. Two instruments namely; Self-Perception Scale (SPS) and Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS) were used to obtain data.  The instrument was validated and tested for reliability, with a reliability indices of GSPS (α=0.95) and MSI (α=82), determined through the Cronbach Alpha Statistic. Data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to answer and test the research questions and hypotheses respectively.  The results of the analysis was tested for statistical significance at .05 alpha level. The finding of the study revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between self-image and marital satisfaction, there was a significant positive relationship between self-esteem and marital satisfaction and there was a significant positive relationship between ideal-self and marital satisfaction among couples in Akwa Ibom State. Based on these findings, the researcher made some recommendations such as; couples should try to make each other valued and respected as this helps to sustain marital satisfaction and counsellors should help couples to maintain high self-esteem to overcome psychological distress due to marital challenges.