INTERNET INFIDELITY AND COMMUNICATION AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL DISSATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED PEOPLE

Abstract

This study examined Internet infidelity and communication as predictors of marital dissatisfaction among married people at Nnewi, Anambra State. A total of one hundred and forty nine (149) participants, conveniently selected from Nnewi market in Okpunoegbu Nnewi North Local Government Area, participated in the study. They comprised of fifty one (51) males and ninety eight (98) females, whose age ranged between 20 and 60 with the mean age of 35.60 and standard deviation of 9.72. Three self-report scales were used for data collection: Marital Dissatisfaction Index Scale (MDIS) by Azize (2013), Internet Infidelity Scale (IIS) by Docan-Morgan (2007) and Primary Communication Inventory by Navran (1967). It adopted predictive design and Multiple Regression Analysis as the design and statistics respectively. The findings showed: i) a positive and not statistically significant prediction of internet infidelity in marital dissatisfaction among married people at Nnewi, Anambra State (β = .11, p < .05), ii) a negative and statistically significant prediction of communication in marital dissatisfaction among married people at Nnewi, Anambra State (β = .19, p < .05). Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be development and implementation of targeted interventions that address the specific challenges related to internet infidelity, communication and marital dissatisfaction among married people. That is, Counsellors should organize seminars and conferences where married people will be sensitized on the role of internet infidelity and communication on marital dissatisfaction. Religious bodies and government should make premarital counselling compulsory for intending couples to equip them with the communication skills for handling marital dissatisfaction. These interventions should be tailored to also consider awareness creation on the significance and pertinence of love based marriage to be made in Nigeria at large.