GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

                                                                                                 ABSTRACT

This study investigated Marital Disputes Resolution Strategies and Spousal Attachment in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of 210 married persons from which a sample size of 136 married individuals were used for data collection. Multistage sampling procedures was used in se lecting sample for the study. A structured questionnaire titled: Marital Disputes Resolution Strategies and Spousal Attachment Questionnaire (MDRSSAQ) was used for data collection. Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by three experts. The internal consistency of the instrument analaysed using Cronbach Alpha yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Data obtained was analysed using mean and t-test. Findings revealed that excessive phone usage (x=3.69) amongst others was the major cause of marital disputes among couples in the study area; compromise (x=3.27) was the core marital disputes resolution strategy adopted by couples in the area. Findings also revealed that the key mediator used by couples for marital dispute resolution was parents (x=3.42); proposing needs respectfully to partner (x= 3.33) was the predominant negotiation dispute resolution strategy adopted by the respondents. The results of the hypotheses revealed a significant influence (p?0.05) of mediation and negotiation dispute resolution strategies and spousal attachment in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State State. Based on the findings of this study, the researchers conclude that couples inevitably face misunderstanding in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area o f Akwa Ibom State and the marital dispute resolution strategy they adopt has a significant influence on spousal attachment. The researchers therefore recommend amongst others that couples should curtail excessive phone use and create quality time for their spouses to avert marital disputes.