INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE AND ETHNICITY ON MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG COUPLES IN INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGES IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Marital Satisfaction is fundamental in sustaining a marriage. Conversely, couples in intercultural marriages experience unique challenges that influence their marital satisfaction (MS), for instance, language and ethnicity among many others. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of language and ethnicity on MS among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives. These were; to determine the level of MS, to find out the influence of language on couples’ MS, to find out the influence of ethnicity on couples’ MS and to determine the mitigating measures for the influence of language and ethnicity on MS among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. The theories guiding the study were the Bowen Family System Theory and the Cognitive Behavioral Theory. The study used mixed methods research design. The target population of the study was 11,028 individuals in intercultural marriages with a sample size of 99 participants, who were statistically determined. Quota sampling and Snowball sampling procedures were used to collect data from 67 participants in Kikuyu urban and 32 respondents in Limuru urban. Data collection methods involved adapting some relevant items from The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32), The Five Love Languages Test (FLL) and Multiple Heritage Couple Questionnaire (MHCQ). Reviewing and comparing literature on similar studies was essential to improve validity of the instrument. Further, vigorous continued consultations with professional psychology supervisors augmented instrument validity. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was applied to determine the reliability of the instrument. The scale on MS had a Cronbach’s Alpha score of 0.828, language had 0.835 and ethnicity had 0.783, implying that the items met the threshold 0.7 internal consistency reliability. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics involving measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Inferential statistics involved linear and multiple regression computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The quantitative finding of the study showed that majority (76.8%) of the participants had high levels of MS. The regression model revealed that language had a direct positive contribution (adjusted r2 =0.69) on MS. The study established that language had a positive, significant influence on MS(β=0.872, p=0.000). Ethnicity had a direct positive contribution (adjusted r2 = .033) on MS. The study revealed that ethnicity had a positive significant influence on MS (β=0.402, p=0.040). Qualitative findings supported quantitative findings as majority (76.8%) of respondents were satisfied with their marriages. Respondents descriptions showed that language and ethnicity played a big role to influence MS. The study is valuable to researchers for further studies on related field. It is beneficial to professionals in mental health practice, churches and religious organizations involved in marriage and family dynamics, individual families and couples with relevant information for effective marital engagement. The study recommends policy makers to develop a strategy that increases awareness of the significance of mental health services. The study further recommends that mental health professionals conduct further research on the influence of varied cultural influences on marriages including language and ethnicity to enhance comprehensive information and understanding.