Psycho Social Variables and Marital Adjustment of Traders in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

This study examined the influence of psychosocial variables on marital adjustment of traders in Itu Local Government Area. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The correlational research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 2150 registered traders in the main markets of the Itu Local Government Area as of 2025. A multistage sampling procedure involving proportionate stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques was used in selecting 337 traders for the study. Data was collected using a researcher-developed instrument named "Psycho Social Variables Questionnaire (PSVQ) and Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ)". The instruments were further subjected to face validity by three experts. The internal reliability coefficients of PSVQ and MAQ were .82 and .87, respectively, determined using Cronbach's alpha statistical analysis. The simple linear regression statistic was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that spousal communication and social support systems significantly predict marital adjustment among traders. The result also revealed that self-esteem does not significantly predict marital adjustment among traders. It was recommended, among others, that counsellors should encourage traders to undergo continuous professional development programmes that enhance their spousal communication for effective integration of healthy practices in adjustment.