Deceitfulness and Forgiveness on the Marital Satisfaction of Teachers in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Nigeria: Implications for Marital Counselling

Abstract

This study examined the influence of deceitfulness and unforgiveness on the marital satisfaction of secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Nigeria, with implications for marital counselling. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 5,202 secondary school teachers, from which a sample of 520 married teachers was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled Red Flags and Marital Satisfaction of Secondary School Teachers Questionnaire (RFMSSSTQ), which yielded reliability coefficients of 0.92 for deceitfulness, 0.93 for unforgiveness, and 0.96 for marital satisfaction. Mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that teachers who experienced high levels of deceitfulness and unforgiveness reported significantly lower marital satisfaction compared to those with low levels of these behaviours. The independent t-test analysis showed significant differences for deceitfulness, t(507)=14.67, p<0.05, and unforgiveness, t(507)=12.79, p<0.05. The study concluded that deceitfulness and unforgiveness are critical relational red flags that negatively influence marital stability and satisfaction among secondary school teachers. Recommendations include the establishment of school-based marital counselling programmes, integration of conflict resolution and forgiveness modules into teacher preparation curricula, and the organisation of regular workshops on marital health for educators.