An Exploratory Study of Factors Contributing to Divorce Among Married Couples in Accra, Ghana: A Qualitative Approach

Kwaku Oppong Asante, Joseph Osafo, Georgina K. Nyamekye

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Against the backdrop that divorce is increasingly becoming a public health problem in Ghana, especially in urban areas, a qualitative approach was used to explore the possible reasons for divorce among 12 Ghanaian divorcees living in the urban area of Accra. Participants selected purposively were made up of 4 males and 8 females between the ages of 32 and 45 years, with a mean age of 36.5. Findings showed that the period of honeymooning provided a context that either destabilized or stabilized the union. Nonsubmissiveness, inadequate love and affection, and lack of trust were identified as the main reasons for divorce. Participants expressed mixed feelings about early expectations from marriage and a sense of regret and stigmatization after the dissolution of the marriage. Postmarital counseling should be encouraged to help address possible problems that are likely to arise and destabilize couples during the course of the marriage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16-32
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Divorce and Remarriage
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Ghana
  • divorce
  • divorcee
  • married couples

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An Exploratory Study of Factors Contributing to Divorce Among Married Couples in Accra, Ghana: A Qualitative Approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this