Predictors of Marital Satisfaction Among Spouses of Inter-And Intra-Ethnic Marriages in Ghana: Implications for Counselling

This study examined demographic factors (age, level of education, and duration of marriage) as predictors of marital satisfaction among spouses of inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic marriages in Ghana. The study applied the descriptive research survey design, using the stratified sampling procedure to select 576 participants for the study. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) developed by Essuman (2010) was used to collect data. The structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data collected. Demographic characteristics (age, level of education, and length of marriage) jointly explained 14% and 21% of the variances in marital satisfaction among couples in inter- and intra-ethnic marriages, respectively. Respondents who were 20 – 30 years significantly enjoyed marital satisfaction better than those aged 41 – 50 years. Based on the results, it was concluded that, age, duration of marriage and educational level are the predictors of marital satisfaction among spouses of inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic marriages in the Kumasi Metropolis. It is therefore, recommended that marriage counsellors assist couples to resolve problems arising from their demographic characteristics in order to attain marital satisfaction. It is therefore, recommended that marriage counsellors assist couples to know and understand that marital satisfaction is determined by age, duration of marriage and level of education in inter- and intra- ethnic marriages.