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Towards a Psycho-Spiritual Understanding of Gossip and Interpersonal Relationships among Adult Christians in Selected Parishes of Lokoja Diocese, Kogi State, Nigeria

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Adavize Bello

    (Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation an Affiliate of Veritas University Abuja, Nigeria)

  • Bro. Dr. Pius Muasa

    (Tangaza University College Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe

    (Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation an Affiliate of Veritas University Abuja, Nigeria)

Abstract

Gossip is characterized by the exchange of negative or private information about others, which has been a pervasive issue within human interactions, affecting interpersonal relationships in various contexts. This study investigated the relationship between gossip and interpersonal relationships among adults in St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish Felele and St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish Ganaja, in Lokoja Diocese. The research objective found Psycho-Spiritual approaches to gossip and interpersonal relationship among adults in St. Matthew’s Parish Felele and St. Theresa’s Parish Ganaja Lokoja. The study was grounded in Robin Dunbar's Gossip Theory and used a descriptive research design; the research instruments used for the collection of data was interview guides. The sample size was 10 participants by purposive sampling. The objective was analyzed using thematic analysis. The participant highlighted the need for parishioners to become more aware of the danger of gossip, using psycho-spiritual approaches to help improve their interpersonal relationship. The Bishop and The Parish Priests should organize seminars and workshops to highlight the detrimental influence of gossip on interpersonal relationship and to provide avenues for seeking support and guidance when dealing with gossip related conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Adavize Bello & Bro. Dr. Pius Muasa & Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe, 2026. "Towards a Psycho-Spiritual Understanding of Gossip and Interpersonal Relationships among Adult Christians in Selected Parishes of Lokoja Diocese, Kogi State, Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 13(6), pages 17-27, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjc:journl:v:13:y:2026:i:6:p:17-27
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dlamini Phakamani Irvine & Mdletshe Bonga Blessing, 2019. "Employee¡¯s Perception on Workplace Gossip in the South African Public Sectors: The Implication on Job Performance," Journal of Management and Strategy, Journal of Management and Strategy, Sciedu Press, vol. 10(3), pages 48-56, May.
    2. Richard Bernardi, 2006. "Associations between Hofstede’s Cultural Constructs and Social Desirability Response Bias," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 65(1), pages 43-53, April.
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