Consensus on Constraints in Marital Satisfaction Among Married People in African Context

Abstract

Marriage is considered as the most important social institution and symbol of adulthood in Africa. However, the trend of divorce has increased alarmingly in recent years. We explored the constraints towards marital satisfaction by using the Delphi technique with assumptions that couples are the experts on their marriages. Participant’s panel included married heterosexual couples divided into two groups: men and women couple’s panels. The group of women’s panel included 31 participants and men’s panel contained 25 males. Then in the final stage, both groups provided their views and discussed on the possible solutions to the identified constraints. Five major themes emerged: satisfaction in sexuality among couples, difficulties in communication, economic and financial conflicts, the role of extended families, and opportunity for behavioural change to achieve marital satisfaction. Our findings support the hypothesis that satisfaction with sexual intercourse, respectful communication, financial stability and careful handling of relatives influence marital satisfaction.

Failure of Good Faith in Mediating Divorce Cases in Religious Court

“…Couple awareness to identify the type of conflict faced is essential to avoid conflicts that drag on and negatively impact children as well as their legal status (Elkhalloufi et al, 2021;Lucas, 2008;Piedalue et al, 2021;Shahin, 2020). Mediation principles such as good faith, confidentiality, and collaborative settlement are essential to achieving a win-win solution supported by appropriate mediators, advocates, and mediation venues (Chang et al, 2023;Guetto et al, 2022;Mwansisya & Mwampagatwa, 2023). Legal regulations such as Supreme Court Regulation No.…”

“…Previous research has shown that mediation as a method of resolving conflicts in the household is mandatory and should be done immediately (Bouland, 2022;Muhammad et al, 2021;Redding, 2021), with a third party who can achieve a win-win solution and protect the couple's secrets (Chang et al, 2023;Guetto et al, 2022;Mwansisya & Mwampagatwa, 2023). Couples who misidentify conflict can prolong problems, psychologically disturb children, and obscure legal status (Elkhalloufi et al, 2021;Lucas, 2008;Piedalue et al, 2021;Shahin, 2020).…”