Abstract

Marriage is a fundamental social institution that plays a crucial role in the well-being and happiness of individuals, yet many marriages are plagued by conflicts and dissatisfaction, highlighting the need to explore the complex dynamics of marital relationships, particularly the relationship between marital adjustment and communication styles among married adults. The study investigated the relationship between marital adjustment and communication styles among married adults in Ibadan, Oyo state. Demographic variables such as age, gender, years in marriage and educational status were considered. This research employed the descriptive survey research design. 240 respondents were randomly selected across the selected local governments in Ibadan metropolis. Two research questions were raised and four hypotheses generated to guide the conduct of the study. Data were collected using a self constucted questionnaire entitled “Relationship between Marital Adjustment and Communication Styles Questionnaire (RMACSQ)”. Content validity and reliability of the instrument were established. The reliability co-efficient of 0.63 was obtained. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses generated were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at 0.05 alpha level. The findings revealed that self-concept and parenting style are major factors that can be used to correlate and determine child abuse in any form. All the three hypotheses generated were rejected. With the findings of the study, it was recommended that seminars and conferences should be organized for the married adults in other to enlighten them on the challenges of marital relationship, this would enable them to adjust and communicate better in their new home, married adults should also understand themselves, and the styles of communication that can work well for their marriage, because good communication styles in marital life will foster better adjustment in marriage and intending couples should also go for pre-marital counselling programmes that is handled and coordinated by professional marriage counsellors so that they can acquire necessary knowledge and skills that will assist them in their marriage.