Factors influencing marriage longevity among couples in Kwadaso Municipality of Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

Marriages are expected to last long; however, little is known about the factors that lead to lasting marriages in Ghanaian societies, especially within the Kwadaso Municipality in Ashanti Region. The mixed-method investigation examined factors influencing marriage longevity among 130 couples married for a minimum of ten years. The research employed a Likert scale questionnaire and an interview guide to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed through Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), hierarchical multiple linear regression, and chain mediation analyses. Thematic analyses were used to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in trust, conflict management, procreation, sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and commitment across married men and women. Whereas factors such as intimacy, commitment, sexual satisfaction, and conflict management significantly determined marriage longevity, trust, religiosity, procreation, and counselling showed no significant influence. Intimacy and trust were identified as mediating factors, positively predicting marriage longevity through their influence on sexual satisfaction. Qualitative insights confirmed that love is a fundamental element because couples stay long in their respective marriages. It is recommended that counsellors also employ evidence-based ways to assist couples in developing and strengthening various areas of their relationship. Counsellors should also prioritise designing and assessing targeted relationship interventions for couples seeking lasting marriages.