INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE ON MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG COUPLES IN INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGES, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Language is essential for marital functioning and contentment. Conversely, couples in heterosexual monogamous intercultural marriages may experience exceptional challenges emanating from conveying or interpreting messages based on divergent cultures that influence their marital satisfaction. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of language on marital satisfaction among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. Bowen Family System Theory (BFST) and Cognitive Behavioral Theory guided this study. Convergent mixed methods research design was applied in the study. The target population was 11,028 individuals in intercultural marriages with a sample size of 99 participants. Snowball sampling was helpful to recruit participants for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire that adapted relevant items from The Five Love Languages Test (FLL). Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation. Inferential statistics applied linear and multiple regression computed through SPSS version 25.0. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. Findings were presented in tables and respondents’ descriptions. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from accredited Institutional Review Board, National Council for Science and Technology and Kiambu County Government, Kenya. Findings of the study revealed that language has a positive, significant influence on marital satisfaction (β=0.872, p=0.000). This implies that an increase in marital language positively increases marital satisfaction by 0.872. Participants descriptions equally supported language influence on marital satisfaction. The study recommends that policy makers develop strategies that increase awareness of the importance of mental health services. The study also recommends further research by mental health professionals on the influence of language on couples’ marital satisfaction to attain comprehensive understanding which is crucial for couples’ marital management that boosts satisfaction.