Level of Education, Marital Longevity and Religion as Determinants of Marital Stability among Couples in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

The study was a descriptive survey aimed at investigating couples’ level of education, marital longevity and religion as determinants of marital stability among couples in the Tamale Metropolis. The population of the study were married couples drawn from the Metropolis who have been married for 1-25 years and could read and understand. A sample of 381married couples aged between 30 to 50 years were drawn from the region using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was use to gather data for the study. Quantitative data was analysed by using one-way ANOVA. Hypothesis one revealed a statistically significant differences in marital stability of couples based on their level of education. Hypothesis two revealed a statistically significant differences in the length of marriage and marital stability of couples. For hypothesis 3, it was revealed that there is a statistically significant differences in marital stability among couples based on their religion. It was concluded that married couples’ levels of education, how long they have been married and couples’ religion were key determinants of marital stability among couples. It is therefore recommended that couples intending to marry should have some level of education to be effectively resolve conflicts during marriage. Also, couples should be educated on the need to stay longer in marriage despites conflicts and misunderstandings and adherence to religious practices, values and teachings on marriage should be adhered to.