Factors Influencing Marital Stability Among Elderly Couples Within Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County

ABSTRACT

Globally marital unions are constantly facing myriads of challenges putting relationships in a crisis mode. The study was to explore factors influencing marital stability among elderly couples aged over 55 years in Westlands Sub-county of Nairobi. This study used the following study objectives; To explain the extent to which factors in the management of conflict influence marital stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya, To describe the factors of quality communication that influence marital stability among elderly couples in Westland’s sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya, To identify factors which affect the management of finances in marital stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county of Nairobi, Kenya and to list strategic factors that could be used to strengthen marriages and maintain stability among elderly couples in Westlands sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya. Thirty purposively selected elderly respondents with required characteristics were sampled. Snowball sampling was used to select ten respondents with special skills for Focus Group Discussions (FGD), making a total of 40 respondents. The objectives of the study were to establish ways the elderly resolved conflicts, managed quality communication, handled finances as well as explored the strategies they used to strengthen their marriages. The study used qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The research tools consisted of questionnaires and focus group discussions. The Focus group discussion yielded a summary of frequently recorded words, as well as quoted statements which the elderly envisioned as turning points in their marriages. The study found stable marriages would be achieved where there existed hope, love, trust, commitment, forgiveness, and resilience. It was also found that a stable marriage is something that people work at through conflict management, quality communication prudent financial control and get better at but is never completed. It was also found that continuous communication was fundamental for successful marriages. Couples need to be good friends in order to manage conflicts as they arise. The study recommends that couples wishing to enter marriage should be prepared in premarital sessions by qualified professionals and the elderly. Couples at the community and institutions should be sensitized about marriages and issues of violence and offered professional help.