IMPROVING THE USE OF WORDS FOR EFFECTIVE INTERACTION AMONG MARRIED COUPLES: COUNSELLING IMPLICATION

Abstract

In interpersonal relationships, especially that of marriage, couples sometimes misinterpret a situation that is meant to build, and it becomes a spouse-destructive one. For example, when a spouse tries to rebuke or correct a behavior that is not acceptable, the other spouse tends to engage the partner in the use of words that are negative and vulgar in nature. The consequence is the destruction of the relationship, which might have taken years to build.

Based on this observation, the research study was conducted at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, using Diploma students of the Institute of Education. The methodology of the study consisted of an experimental post-test, only control group design. A random sampling technique was used to select 30 out of 1,259 students who are in subsistence marriage to participate in the study. A questionnaire titled "Couple's Communication Skills Inventory" (CCS), section on attending to words, was administered. A 4-point Likert scale was used for the respondents to rate their responses. A t-test technique of data analysis was used to test the hypothesis.

The finding revealed no significant difference was established between male and female married respondents. Counseling implications and recommendations were highlighted on the choice and use of words for effective interaction among married couples.