Consequences of Marital Instability Among Married Adults in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the consequences of marital instability among married adults in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Respondents were stratified by gender, age, and educational qualification, and a total of 200 married adults (149 females and 51 males) were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using the self-developed “Consequences of Marital Instability among Married Adults Questionnaire” (CMIMAQ). The study employed t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test three null hypotheses, with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) used to identify group differences where ANOVA results were significant. All hypotheses were evaluated at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that decreased relationship satisfaction was perceived as the most significant consequence of marital instability, while economic instability was ranked lowest. The study further indicated no significant differences in perceptions based on age, whereas significant differences were observed with respect to gender and educational qualification. Based on these findings, it was recommended that professional counselors organize seminars and educational programs to guide married adults in managing marital challenges and preventing negative outcomes, thereby promoting relationship stability and overall well-being. Keywords: Marital instability, Married adults, Relationship satisfaction, Economic stress, Counseling interventions,