INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ON MARITAL STABILITY AMONG COUPLES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of socio-economic status on marital stability among couples in secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.  The study had three objectives, three research question and hypothesis. A descriptive survey research design of the ex-post facto type was adopted for the study. The population comprised of 260 Teachers in secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area, from which a sample of 260 teachers was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table and simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Socio-economic Status on Marital Stability among Couples Questionnaire (SSMSCSSQ). The instrument was validated by experts, and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) to answer research questions, while independent samples t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that couples in Jos North generally exhibit a relatively high level of socio-economic status, with adequate personal and spousal incomes contributing positively to household stability. The study also established that emotional attitudes such as patience, understanding, emotional support, and effective communication play a crucial role in sustaining marital stability, whereas negative emotional reactions weaken marital relationships. The study concludes that socio-economic status significantly influences marital stability through financial capacity, emotional attitudes, and family involvement. It recommended that financial empowerment programmes, effective financial management, emotional intelligence training, and balanced extended family involvement as strategies for promoting stable and enduring marriages among couples in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State