Abstract:

The study examined the interaction of three variables, intimacy, self-esteem, and locus of control, and their effect on marital satisfaction in Lartebiokoshie a suburb under the Ablekuma South Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Across sectional survey method was adopted to study the variables of interest. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess all variables of interest. Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and Locus of Control of Behavior scale (LCB) were utilized. Data entry, validation and analysis was done using the Statistical package for Social Science software (SPSS version 25). A total of 720 purposively selected participants took part in the research. The sample was predominantly female, 430 (60%) and Christian, 675 (94%). The modal age group for respondents and spouses was 31-45 years 387(54%) and 400 (56%) respectively. Study participants who were married by ordinance comprised 400 (56%). One hundred and fifty study participants (21%) had the same ethnicity with their spouses and the mean years of marriage was 13.1510.70. The result of the study revealed a significant positive correlation between intimacy and marital satisfaction [r₍₇₁₈₎ = .460, p< .000], a no significant correlation between locus of control and marital satisfaction [r₍₇₁₈₎ = .041, p>.05], a negative correlation between self-esteem and marital satisfaction variables [r₍₇₁₈₎ = -.027, p> .05]. Partner intimacy for to-be-wed couples should be promoted within appropriate and approved settings due to the significant influence demonstrated in this research.

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