INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Marriage, as a social institution, is universally recognized as the cornerstone of family life

and by extension, the foundation of every society. It is within the marital union that procreation

takes place, children are nurtured, social values are transmitted, and emotional and psychological

needs are met. Marriage provides companionship, intimacy, economic cooperation, and a support

system that is vital for individual well-being and societal stability. However, like every human

relationship, it is not immune to challenges. Conflicts and disputes often emerge as couples

navigate differences in personality, values, communication patterns, expectations, and external

pressures. The dynamics of marital life in contemporary society have become increasingly

complex due to the influence of modernization, economic hardship, cultural clashes, and the

breakdown of traditional family support systems. Common sources of marital conflict include

financial stress, role expectations, child-rearing practices, extended family interference, sexual

dissatisfaction, and infidelity. When these disputes are not effectively managed, they can escalate

into deeper relational crises such as persistent quarrels, emotional withdrawal, domestic violence,

separation, and ultimately divorce. Family instability resulting from unresolved marital conflicts

often has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the couple but also the well-being of

children and the wider community.

In response to these challenges, marital counselling has gained recognition as an essential

tool for promoting marital harmony and stability. Marital counselling is a professional intervention

that helps couples identify the root causes of their problems, improve communication skills,

develop empathy, and learn constructive conflict resolution strategies. Through counselling,

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couples are provided with a safe and structured environment where grievances can be aired without

judgment, and where they are guided toward mutual understanding and reconciliation. According

to Angolo and Obida (2020), marital counselling interventions significantly improved conflict

resolution abilities among couples in Nasarawa State and Abuja. Similarly, Justina and Abubakar

(2022) in Niger State, as well as Elegbede and Abidogun (2024) in Lagos State, reported that

counselling not only reduced marital tension but also contributed to greater marital satisfaction

and stability.

In the context of Benue State, and specifically Makurdi Local Government Area, marital

disputes are prevalent and often intensified by socio-economic realities such as unemployment,

financial hardship, and cultural expectations regarding gender roles and family responsibilities.

Issues of infidelity, jealousy, and poor communication further strain marital bonds. Research

conducted by Idoko and Yakubu (2019) in Benue State highlighted communication breakdown as

a primary cause of marital instability and family breakdown. Unfortunately, despite the increasing

need for professional interventions, marital counselling remains underutilized in Makurdi. Many

couples still rely on informal dispute resolution mechanisms such as family elders, friends, or

religious leaders. While these traditional approaches reflect the cultural values of the people and

sometimes succeed in restoring peace, they often lack the structured, professional, and evidence-

based strategies required to address deep-seated marital issues. The stigma associated with seeking

counselling, coupled with limited awareness of its benefits, discourages many couples from

accessing such services. Yet, with the increasing rate of divorce and family disintegration across

Nigeria, the necessity of professional marital counselling cannot be overemphasized. Strong and

stable marriages are critical not only for the emotional and psychological well-being of the partners

but also for raising responsible children and fostering a healthy society. It becomes imperative to

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investigate the impact of marital counselling on the resolution of family disputes among couples

in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Such a study will provide empirical insights

into how counselling contributes to conflict management, the extent to which it strengthens marital

relationships, and the barriers to its effective utilization. The findings will be instrumental in

sensitizing couples, policymakers, religious organizations, and counselling practitioners on the

importance of promoting marital counselling as a viable means of conflict resolution and family

preservation in the society.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent times, the institution of marriage in Nigeria has faced increasing strains as a result

of social, economic, and cultural transformations. In Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue

State, family disputes among couples have become a common phenomenon. Cases of domestic

violence, constant quarrels, emotional estrangement, separation, and divorce are frequently

reported, painting a picture of declining marital stability. These conflicts do not only affect the

spouses involved but also extend their negative impact to children who may suffer neglect,

psychological trauma, and poor academic performance as well as extended family members and

the wider community. Broken homes and unstable marriages contribute to societal issues such as

juvenile delinquency, increased crime rates, and a weakened social fabric.

Despite the rising incidence of marital instability, professional marital counselling remains

underutilized as a conflict resolution strategy in Makurdi. Many couples prefer to consult family

elders, friends, or religious leaders, as these avenues are more culturally familiar and less

stigmatized. However, such informal methods often lack the objectivity, confidentiality, and

professional expertise needed to address complex marital issues such as financial stress, infidelity,

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or deep-seated communication problems. The consequence is that many couples continue to live

in conflict, leading to a breakdown of trust, affection, and companionship in marriage. Previous

studies conducted in other parts of Nigeria, such as Niger State (Justina & Abubakar, 2022), Lagos

State (Elegbede & Abidogun, 2024), and Nasarawa State (Angolo & Obida, 2020), have

demonstrated that marital counselling significantly enhances couples’ communication skills,

strengthens emotional bonds, and equips partners with practical problem-solving strategies. These

findings highlight the potential of counselling to restore marital harmony and reduce the rate of

family breakdown. However, there is a notable gap in empirical research focusing specifically on

the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The unique cultural, economic, and social

dynamics of Makurdi may influence the way marital counselling is perceived, accessed, and

utilized by couples.

It remains uncertain whether marital counselling services are readily available and

accessible to couples in Makurdi are effective in resolving family disputes, and to what extent they

are being accessed by couples facing challenges. Are couples aware of the benefits of marital

counselling? Do cultural and religious beliefs act as barriers to its utilization? Does marital

counselling, when utilized, significantly reduce the incidence of conflicts, separation, or divorce

in this locality? These are critical questions that have not been adequately addressed in existing

literature. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this gap by examining the impact of marital counselling

on the resolution of family disputes among couples in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue

State. The research aims to provide evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of marital

counselling as a tool for conflict resolution and family stability in this region. The outcome of this

study will not only contribute to academic knowledge but will also serve as a guide for

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policymakers, counselling practitioners, religious institutions, and community leaders in

promoting healthier marriages and stronger families in Makurdi and beyond.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of marital counselling on the

resolution of family disputes among couples in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the common causes of family disputes among couples in Makurdi LGA.

2. Assess the extent to which couples in Makurdi utilize marital counselling services.

3. Determine the impact of marital counselling on communication, trust, and conflict

resolution among couples.

4. Identify challenges that hinder couples from accessing and benefiting from marital

counselling.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the common causes of family disputes among couples in Makurdi LGA?

2. To what extent do couples in Makurdi utilize marital counselling services?

3. What impact does marital counselling have on communication, trust, and conflict

resolution among couples?

4. What challenges hinder couples from accessing marital counselling services in Makurdi?

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1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. Firstly, it contributes to existing literature on

marital counselling and family stability, particularly within the Nigerian context. While studies

have been conducted in other states, limited attention has been given to Makurdi, despite the

growing challenges of family disputes in the area.

Secondly, the findings will be valuable to counsellors, psychologists, and social workers by

providing evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of marital counselling. This will aid in

designing more targeted interventions to support couples.

Thirdly, religious institutions, NGOs, and government agencies involved in family welfare can use

the findings to strengthen family support programmes. Policy makers can also rely on the outcomes

to formulate regulations that encourage and expand access to marital counselling services.

Finally, couples themselves will benefit by understanding the relevance of professional

counselling in managing family disputes, which can improve marital satisfaction, reduce divorce

rates, and promote societal stability.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. It focuses

specifically on married couples who have experienced family disputes and either sought or had

access to marital counselling. While comparisons may be drawn from other regions, the emphasis

remains on the local context of Makurdi Local Government. The study also restricts itself to marital

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counselling as a professional service, rather than informal counselling by elders, friends, or

religious leaders.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

 Conflict Resolution: The process by which disputes are addressed and resolved through

constructive dialogue, negotiation, or mediation.

 Couples: Legally or traditionally married partners (male and female only).

 Family Disputes: Conflicts or disagreements between married couples, which may include

issues such as financial problems, infidelity, communication breakdown, or domestic

violence.

 Impact: The measurable effect or influence of a person or concept.

 Marital Counselling: A professional therapeutic process designed to help couples resolve

conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship.

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