Effect of Using Communication Enrichment Technique on Marital Conflict among Married Persons in Delta State

Abstract

The study explored the effect of communication enrichment techniques on marital conflict among married persons in Delta State, Nigeria. The research adopted a quasi-experimental design. The study was guided, by two research questions and two null hypotheses. The research population, comprising 6,965 married persons in Delta State, was studied. A multi-stage and simple random sampling technique was employed to select 12- married persons. Data was collected using a questionnaire titled Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ). The supervisors validated these instruments for face, content, and construct validity. A reliability value of 0.87 was established using Cronbach’s Alpha and was adjudged adequate for use. The content validity of the scales was estimated using factor analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) with the extraction method, while construct validity was estimated using rotated factor loading matrices. The study employed a descriptive statistical analysis to answer the research question. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and t-test were computed and used to test hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference in the effect of the communication enrichment technique in reducing marital conflict compared to the control group using their mean score. From the findings, it was concluded that the communication enrichment technique was effective in reducing marital conflict among married persons. It was therefore recommended among others that married couples should embrace communication enrichment which can significantly enhance their relationship. Singles should learn effective communication skills that can prepare individuals for future relationships by fostering healthier interactions and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. Marriage counselors should integrate communication enrichment strategies into practice because it can greatly benefit clients.