Perceived Predisposing Factors of Spousal Abuse among Couples in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State

Abstract

The study examined the predisposing factors of spousal abuse among couples in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State. Four research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of fifteen thousand, seven hundred and seventy-five (15,775) couples in Owerri Municipal Council. A two-stage sampling technique was used in selecting three hundred (300) respondents as the sample size, out of which 295 copies of the questionnaire were properly filled and used for the study. The structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics of ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that majority of the couples attested to the research questions confirming to the predisposing factors of spousal abuse: communication-related factors ( =3.32), relationship-related factors ( =3.20) and communication-related factors ( =3.46). Also, the result of the study revealed that the hypothesis postulated was significant. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others that couples should learn to imbibe virtues such as tolerance and self-control and resolve marital issues amicably instead of unnecessarily criticizing their partners. Government should employ preventive interventions such as increasing the educational status of women which can help break the cycle of spousal abuse.