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 Project – Premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family

 Project – Premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family

Guidance and Counselling Research Project
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Project – Premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family

Click here to Get this Complete Project Chapter 1-5

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

Premarital counseling is a significant aspect of Christian marriage preparation, particularly in Nigeria, where religion plays a crucial role in societal norms and values. According to Akinade (2013), premarital counseling is a preventive measure that equips couples with the necessary skills to handle marital challenges. It is a process that helps prospective couples understand and change their attitudes towards marriage. The study further reveals that premarital counseling has a positive impact on marital satisfaction among Christian couples in Nigeria.

The implication of premarital counseling for a healthy Christian family in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. A study by Okafor and Arinze-Onyia (2017) found that premarital counseling significantly reduces the rate of divorce and marital dissatisfaction among Christian couples in Nigeria. The study also found that couples who underwent premarital counseling were better equipped to handle marital conflicts and had a higher level of marital satisfaction compared to those who did not. This suggests that premarital counseling plays a crucial role in promoting healthy Christian families in Nigeria.

However, despite the apparent benefits of premarital counseling, its implementation among prospective Christian couples in Nigeria is not without challenges. According to a study by Oyediran (2015), some of the challenges include lack of trained counselors, cultural beliefs that discourage counseling, and the perception that counseling is only for troubled relationships. These challenges, if not addressed, could hinder the effectiveness of premarital counseling in promoting healthy Christian families in Nigeria.

In response to these challenges, some scholars have suggested strategies to improve the implementation of premarital counseling among prospective Christian couples in Nigeria. For instance, Akinade (2013) suggests that churches should invest in training more counselors and creating awareness about the benefits of premarital counseling. Similarly, Okafor and Arinze-Onyia (2017) recommend that premarital counseling should be made compulsory for all prospective Christian couples in Nigeria.

Premarital counseling is a vital tool for promoting healthy Christian families in Nigeria. It equips prospective couples with the necessary skills to handle marital challenges and enhances marital satisfaction. However, for it to be effective, challenges such as lack of trained counselors and cultural beliefs that discourage counseling need to be addressed. More research is needed to explore other potential challenges and strategies to improve the implementation of premarital counseling among prospective Christian couples in Nigeria.

  • Statement of the Problem

The problem of inadequate premarital counseling among prospective Christian couples in Nigeria is a pressing issue that has significant implications for the health of Christian families in the country. According to Afolayan (2017), many Christian couples in Nigeria enter into marriage without adequate preparation, which can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even divorce. This lack of preparation is often due to the absence of comprehensive premarital counseling programs in many Nigerian churches.

The lack of premarital counseling can lead to a lack of understanding about the roles and responsibilities within a Christian marriage, which can cause tension and conflict. As noted by Okafor and Anetoh (2016), many Nigerian couples have unrealistic expectations about marriage, which can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. These expectations can be managed and moderated through effective premarital counseling.

Another problem is the lack of skills to manage conflicts and disagreements in a healthy and constructive manner. According to a study by Oyediran (2015), many Nigerian couples lack the necessary communication and conflict resolution skills, which can lead to escalating conflicts and marital dissatisfaction. Premarital counseling can provide couples with these essential skills, thereby enhancing marital satisfaction and stability.

The implications of inadequate premarital counseling for the health of Christian families in Nigeria are significant. According to a study by Akinlolu and Olowookere (2018), families that are formed without adequate premarital preparation often experience higher levels of conflict, lower levels of marital satisfaction, and higher rates of divorce. This can have a detrimental impact on the psychological well-being of family members, particularly children.

The lack of emphasis on premarital counseling in many Nigerian churches is a significant problem. According to a study by Oyediran (2015), many Nigerian churches do not offer comprehensive premarital counseling programs, and those that do often do not adequately address the challenges and realities of married life. This lack of emphasis on premarital counseling can leave couples ill-prepared for the challenges of marriage.

The problem of inadequate premarital counseling among prospective Christian couples in Nigeria has significant implications for the health of Christian families in the country. There is a need for more comprehensive and effective premarital counseling programs in Nigerian churches to prepare couples for the realities of married life and to enhance the health and stability of Christian families.

  • Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family.

  1. To examine the effectiveness of premarital counseling programs in improving communication skills among Christian couples.
  2. To explore the impact of premarital counseling on the understanding and practice of Christian values within the context of marriage.
  3. To investigate the role of premarital counseling in reducing conflict among Christian couples.
  4. To assess the long-term effects of premarital counseling on marital satisfaction among Christian couples. 

  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. How effective are premarital counseling programs in improving communication skills among Christian couples?
  2. What is the impact of premarital counseling on the understanding and practice of Christian values within the context of marriage?
  3. What role does premarital counseling play in reducing conflict among Christian couples?
  4. What are the long-term effects of premarital counseling on marital satisfaction among Christian couples?

  • Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement is buttressed below:

Ho: Premarital counseling programs cannot improve communication skills among Christian couples

H1: Premarital counseling programs can improve communication skills among Christian couples

  • Significance of the Study

The significance of premarital counseling among prospective Christian couples is profound and multifaceted. It is a crucial step in preparing couples for a healthy and successful marriage, which is the foundation of a strong Christian family. Premarital counseling provides an opportunity for couples to discuss and understand each other’s expectations, beliefs, and values, which are often influenced by their Christian faith. This understanding is essential in preventing misunderstandings and conflicts that could arise in the future.

Premarital counseling also equips couples with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges that come with marriage. These skills include effective communication, conflict resolution, and financial management, among others. By learning these skills, couples are better prepared to handle disagreements and challenges in a healthy and constructive manner. This not only strengthens their relationship but also contributes to the overall health and stability of the Christian family.

Moreover, premarital counseling helps couples understand the sanctity and commitment of marriage from a Christian perspective. It emphasizes the importance of love, respect, and fidelity, which are fundamental Christian values. By internalizing these values, couples are more likely to uphold them in their marriage, thereby fostering a healthy and harmonious Christian family.

The implications of premarital counseling for a healthy Christian family are significant. A strong and stable family is the cornerstone of a healthy society. Therefore, by promoting successful marriages, premarital counseling indirectly contributes to the overall well-being of the society. It also helps in the propagation of Christian values and principles, which are essential in maintaining moral standards in the society.

Furthermore, premarital counseling can help reduce the rates of divorce and marital dissatisfaction among Christian couples. Studies have shown that couples who undergo premarital counseling are less likely to divorce compared to those who do not. This is because they are better prepared for the realities of marriage and have the necessary skills to handle marital challenges.

Premarital counseling plays a significant role in promoting healthy Christian families. It prepares couples for marriage, equips them with essential skills, and instills in them Christian values. The implications of this are far-reaching, contributing not only to the health and stability of the Christian family but also to the overall well-being of the society.

  • Scope of the Study

The study examines Premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family. The study is limited to selected Pentecostal Churches in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Premarital Counselling: This is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. Premarital counselling can help ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage. It can also help you identify weaknesses that could become problems during marriage.
  2. Prospective Christian Couple: This term refers to a couple who are not yet married but are considering marriage, and who identify as Christians. They may be engaged, or simply dating with the intention of getting married in the future. Their faith plays a significant role in their relationship and will likely influence their approach to marriage.
  3. Implication: This is a conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated. In other words, it’s something that is suggested or inferred, but not directly expressed.
  4. Healthy: In the context of a relationship or family, ‘healthy’ typically refers to a state of well-being and balance. A healthy relationship or family is characterized by respect, open communication, and the ability to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. It also involves emotional, mental, and often physical well-being.
  5. Christian Family: A Christian family is a family unit that follows the teachings of Christianity. This could involve regular church attendance, prayer before meals, and the celebration of Christian holidays, among other practices. The specific practices and beliefs can vary widely between different Christian families, depending on their specific denomination and personal beliefs.

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 Project – Premarital counselling among prospective Christian couple and its implication for healthy Christian family

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