Relationship Between Retirement Transition and Marital Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Selected Churches in Kiambu County, Kenya
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-08-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PAC University
Abstract
Retirement transition has an impact on marital satisfaction among older couples as revealed in the increased rates of divorce among adults aged 50 years and above in the last two decades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between retirement transition and marital satisfaction among married couples in selected churches in Kiambu County, Kenya. Correlation research design was used. The study was anchored on the 4’s of Schlossberg’s Transition theory and the Sound Relationship House of Gottman Couple theory. Stratified random sampling was employed for the selection of 297 retirees and those in retirement transition in Kiambu County. Data was collected using Process of Retirement Planning Scale (PRePS) and Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and chi-square techniques by aid of SPSS version 23. The study found that 62% of retirees classified their retirement as voluntary and 38% as involuntary. Gradual retirement was experienced by 47.9%, while 2.8% retired abruptly due to health issues. Post-retirement, 46.5% engaged in self-employment. Financial planning for retirement was moderately high (x̅=3.4107), self-efficacy (x̅=3.6218), and perceived social support (x̅=3.4405) were above average. Retirement planning anxiety was low (x̅=2.6748). Marital satisfaction was high for 75% of respondents. Most respondents (73%) retired before 60 years. Marital satisfaction was higher in voluntary retirements (78.1%) compared to involuntary (69.6%). Retirement perception significantly affected marital satisfaction (p<.05), explaining 31.5% of its variance. The results underscore the importance of retirement planning for achieving successful marriages. Steps should be taken to promote financial, social support, and self-efficacy to reducing anxiety to promote marital satisfaction. The practical implications of these findings are crucial for individuals, policymakers, and practitioners involved in retirement planning and support. Understanding the various forms of retirement transitions is essential for marriage and family therapists, policymakers and support services. Tailoring retirement support programs to accommodate this diversity can enhance their effectiveness