Benue State University, Makurdi

PRE-MARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AS CORRELATE OF MARITAL COMMITMENT AND AFFECTION AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Mary Adih Elaigwu

Abstract

The study examined pre-marital sexual behaviour as a correlate of marital commitment and affection among married persons in Benue South Senatorial District. Two questions were framed and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational survey design was adopted using a sample population of 331 respondents out of a population of 2,304 married couples in Benue South Senatorial District. Disproportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to arrive at 331 respondents. A 40-item instrument developed by the researcher was validated by three experts. Cronbach’s alpha reliability technique was used to ascertain the internal consistency of the instrument with a coefficient index of .91. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was implored to analyze data for answering research questions while Regression analysis statisticwas used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that premarital sexual behaviour relates to marital commitment and affection among married persons. The study recommended that: Intending couples should be mindful of their pre-marital sexual behaviour since it has been proven through research to enhance marital failure. By this, they (intending couples) could maintain and sustain their marital commitments. Sex workers, unmarried persons and other stakeholders should be informed through the media that pre-marital sexual behaviour significantly relates to marital affection among couples thereby resulting to distrust. Indulging in it will be a straight line to marital failure.

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