Influence of Male Child Syndrome on the Psycho-Social Well-being of Women producing females in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of Male Child Syndrome on the psycho-social well-being of women producing only female children in Adamawa State, Nigeria.Using a descriptive survey design, the research focuses on married women from selected local government areas within the state's three senatorial zones.A systematic sampling technique was employed to select 300 women from educational centers, recreational areas, and markets.Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, and analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests to examine the research questions and hypotheses.The findings indicate that Male Child Syndrome significantly impacts the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of women.High mean scores across the items reveal that societal pressures to produce male children contribute to emotional distress, feelings of inadequacy, and diminished social status.The ANOVA results for Hypothesis 1 revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of male child syndrome among women producing only female children (F = 3.60, P = 0.03), indicating varied experiences across different groups.For Hypothesis 2, the analysis demonstrated a significant psychological impact of male child syndrome, with an F-value of 4.85 and a P-value of 0.01, affirming that these women experience heightened emotional burdens.Hypothesis 3 further revealed a significant relationship between male child preference and social status, with a P-value of 0.00, showing that societal norms favoring male children heavily influence women's social standing.The study concludes that male child syndrome deeply affects women's well-being, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, mental health support, and awareness campaigns to promote gender equality and challenge cultural stereotypes.Recommendations include governmentled initiatives, mental health services, and legal reforms to protect women's rights.