EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN SEXUAL INTIMACY AND MARITAL WELLBEING IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Health is a vital aspect of global development. Four research questions guided this study, with specific objectives to: investigate how sexual intimacy affects social relationships in matrimonial homes, find out how sexual intimacy influences resolution of problems in matrimonial homes, find out the relationship between sexual intimacy and the psychological health of couples, and discover how lack of sexual intimacy affects matrimonial homes in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Relevant literatures were reviewed, while the social cognitive theory and health belief model served as frameworks. A qualitative approach with thirty nine (39) in-depth interviews and sixty five (65) key informant interviews made up a total sample size of 104 people. Data were transcribed, findings revealed that sexual intimacy in marriage creates a strong bond between couples, which enhances healthy interpersonal, social, physical and psychological relationships, while lack of sexual relationship and satisfaction in marriage, creates physical, psychological and social problems among married couples, leading to divorce, separation, fights, quarrels, denial and negligence of responsibilities, which negatively affects the health of the couple and family. In conclusion, sex is therapeutic, sexual intimacy and satisfaction is a very important life-line in marriage. This means that it plays a significant role in marriage and determines the health of a matrimonial home. Recommendations include: religious teachings and public seminars on marriage, in order to enhance the sexual wellbeing of married couples and society