CAUSES, EFFECTS AND PREVENTION OF DIVORCE AMONG COUPLES IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study examined the causes, effects and prevention of divorce among couples in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi state, Nigeria. The study specific objectives are to identified the causes of divorce among couples in Bauchi metropolis, determined the effects of divorce among couples in Bauchi metropolis and identify some prevention measure to divorce among couples in Bauchi metropolis. Social learning theory was used to guide the research. The study employed the survey research design where quantitative method of data collection was used. The stratified random sampling was used to select 384 respondents for the quantitative data. Simple percentage and frequency table was used in analyzing the quantitative data. Data were collected using the five Likert scale Questionnaire. The result revealed that, Personality incompatibility, Lack of communication, Abusive relationship, financial disagreement, Sexual dissatisfaction are among the causes for the rising tide of divorce. The findings on the consequences of divorce were loneliness, economic instability, emotional pain of chronic marital discord, child abuse. Similarly, the findings on the solutions to the rising tide of divorce were, Marital education awareness campaign program, Conflict resolution awareness campaign program, Awareness program to enhance honour, respect, intimacy and forgiveness, Awareness program to enhance relationship satisfaction among couples and Awareness program to reduce divorce and violence among couples. In light of the findings, the study recommended that marriage should have guidance and counseling departments with qualified counselors to help in married couples to establish and strengthen the two couple’s rights and train them on the importance of good marriage discipline.