The Influence of Parental Style on Marital Instability among Married Adults in South-West Nigeria

Kaothar Bukola Abdulmajeed; Jemila Yusuf; Kamoru Abidoye Tiamiyu; Abdulkareem Olalekan Abubakar

Kaothar Bukola Abdulmajeed Educational Management and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Jemila Yusuf Educational Management and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Kamoru Abidoye Tiamiyu Educational Management and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abdulkareem Olalekan Abubakar Educational Management and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

Keywords: Parental Stlye, Marital Instability, Family of Origin, Attachment, Married Adult

Abstract

Marital instability is an important social and family problem in Nigeria. It is expressed through persistent disagreements, emotional distance, poor conflict resolution, separation, and divorce. Although several factors influence the quality of marital relationships, the experiences individuals acquire in their families of origin may significantly shape their behaviour as spouses and parents. This article examines the influence of parental style on marital instability among married adults in South-West Nigeria, drawing on the attached thesis, which investigated parenting styles, communication styles, and emotional intelligence as predictors of marital instability. The study adopted a descriptive survey design of the correlational type. The sample comprised 400 married adults selected across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using the Parenting Styles and Marital Instability Questionnaire (PSMIQ). The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.81. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that neglectful parenting was the most prevalent parental style among the respondents, followed by authoritarian parenting. Parenting style had a significant relationship with marital instability, r = .37, p < .001. The findings suggest that adults raised in neglectful, authoritarian, or otherwise dysfunctional family environments may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, trust, communication, and conflict resolution in marriage. The article recommends positive-parenting education, premarital counselling, marital enrichment programmes, and culturally responsive family counselling services in South-West Nigeria.

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