PRE-AND POST-MARITAL COUNSELLING AS A PANACEA FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG NEWLY MARRIED ADULTS IN UMUAHIA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ABIA STATE

Abstract

This study examined Pre- and Post-Marital Counselling as a Panacea for Conflict Resolution among Newly Married Adults in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Two research questions guided the study. The study targeted a population of 1,200 newly adults (within 1–5 years of marriage). A sample of 30 couples were selected using simple random sampling with gender-based stratification to ensure balanced representation. Data were collected using a researcher-designed instrument titled Pre- and Post-Marital Counselling Questionnaire (PPCQ) with eight items with a reliability index of 0.70. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. Findings revealed that pre-marital counselling significantly helps couples to set realistic expectations, build ef ective communication skills, and anticipate possible sources of conflict, while post-marital counselling serves as an ef ective remedial tool for addressing marital challenges and promoting harmony. The study concluded that both pre- and post-marital counselling are indispensable for reducing marital conflicts and strengthening the stability of marriages. It was recommended, among others, that pre-marital counselling should be made compulsory before marriage solemnization, and that accessible post-marital counselling services should be established to help couples manage conflicts constructively.