Development of an Intervention Model for Marital Dissatisfaction among Working Couples in Benue State, Nigeria

The study focused on the development of an intervention model for marital dissatisfaction among working couples in Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to identify the indicators and causes of marital dissatisfaction and to develop an intervention model for maritally dissatisfied working couples. The study was guided by three research questions. A mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised 720 married secondary teachers and their spouses drawn from three highly populated secondary schools in Makurdi, Katsina-Ala, and Otukpo Local Government Areas of Benue State. A sample size of 144 respondents were selected using stratified, proportionate, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 40 items and a researcher-developed intervention program consisting of two instructional sessions. The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was established before administration. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while a pre-test and post-test design was employed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention model. The findings revealed that the most prominent indicator of marital dissatisfaction was secretive or undisclosed relationships (M = 4.18), while the leading causes were the influence of social media (M = 4.11) and interference from family and friends (M = 4.11). The intervention program produced positive outcomes, with the pre-test mean score decreasing from 4.44 to a post-test mean score of 4.09, indicating a reduction in the level of marital dissatisfaction among the participants following the intervention. The study concluded that social media influence, family and friends' interference, and secretive relationships significantly contribute to marital dissatisfaction among working couples. It further concluded that the developed intervention model was effective in reducing marital dissatisfaction by enhancing participants' awareness, communication, and relationship management skills. The study recommended that couples should promote openness, honesty, and transparency to strengthen trust and communication; marriage counsellors should organize workshops on healthy digital habits and responsible social media use; and family scientists, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists should develop intervention programs that equip couples with practical strategies for managing external pressures from relatives and friends, thereby enhancing marital stability and satisfaction.