Factors Contributing to Breakdown of Christian Marriages in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

The study looked into the factors that lead to the breakdown of Christian marriages in the Accra Metropolis. Seven objectives were used to guide the research, which were then translated into three research questions and four hypotheses. The study was conducted using a quantitative methodology with a descriptive survey design, namely a cross-sectional design. There were 250 divorced individuals from the churches in the Accra Metropolis who participated in the study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to 189 respondents using a multi-stage sampling technique. 160 respondents representing a response rate of 85% were able to complete and returned while Twenty-nine (29) representing 15% were not able to complete and return the copies of their questionnaire. As a result, all the analyses were based on the responses of 160 people. The various scales on the questionnaire were standardised scales adapted from authors in the area of marital challenges. The scales were pilot tested, and good internal consistency indicators (i.e., a =.70 and above) were obtained. Means and standard deviations, independent samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse the data. The study discovered that factors that contribute to marriage breakdown included commitment difficulties, communication difficulties, marital roles difficulties, financial management difficulties, sexual intimacy difficulties, marital conflict, as well as marital violence. It was concluded that commitment challenges and marital violence were the respective topmost and least factors that contribute to breakdown of Christian marriages in the Accra Metropolis. Christian couples are encouraged to exhibit utmost commitment in their marriages to avert marital breakdown.