THE IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL-BASED MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS ON MARITAL SATISFACTION: A CASE OF MARRIED COUPLES’ CARE GROUPS AT CITAM, KENYA
Date
2023-07-25
Authors
WANYEKI, GRACE
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of spiritual-based marriage enrichment programs on marital satisfaction by exploring Married Couples’ Care Groups (MCCGs) program in CITAM (Christ is the Answer Ministries), Kenya. The study employed a mixed-methods approach and was based on Gottman's Sound Relationship House Theory as the theoretical framework. CITAM Thika Road, CITAM Clay City, and CITAM Woodley Churches were purposively selected as the research sites. The study population consisted of 1,000 participants, including the leaders, from MCCGs in the selected assemblies. Consecutive sampling, also referred to as sequential or sampling, was utilized in this study sampling 286 participants. Out of those sampled, 152 participants responded to the questionnaire, representing a response rate of 63.3%. Data collection involved a validated questionnaire combining quantitative measures on marital satisfaction, evaluated in terms of friendship, and conflict management, and qualitative measures capturing the participants' subjective experiences and perceptions. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages; mean scores, and standard deviation scores, while qualitative data was examined using thematic analysis. The findings revealed a moderately high level of marital satisfaction among the respondents, as measured on a 5-point Likert scale, with their involvement in MCCGs. Qualitative data indicated positive influence on respondents' marriages, with effective communication emerging as the overarching theme. The study's findings indicate value for spiritual-based marriage enrichment programs in promoting couple friendship and conflict management within the Kenyan context. It provides religious groups with insight on the potential role of marriage enrichment programs in fostering marital satisfaction.
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