Marital Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance of Female Secondary School Teachers in Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the extent to which marital satisfaction predicts the work-life balance of female secondary school teachers in the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Nigeria. Two research questions and two corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 2,032 married female teachers in public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Nigeria. A sample of 347 married female teachers in public secondary schools was selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling procedure. A researcher-developed instrument titled “Marital Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance Questionnaire (MSWLBQ)” was used for data collection in this study. The instrument was face-validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was established using the internal consistency method, yielding an overall reliability coefficient of 0.74. Simple linear regression analysis was used to answer research questions one to five by determining the coefficient of correlation (R) and coefficient of determination (R²). Analyses of data revealed that each of emotional intimacy and financial harmony predictions of work-life balance of female secondary school teachers is moderately and significant. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that marital satisfaction variables play a crucial role in determining the work–life balance of female secondary school teachers. Three recommendations were made, one of which is that counseling units in secondary schools in the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District should organize workshops aimed at strengthening emotional intimacy among couples, helping teachers build trust, empathy, and emotional connection in their marriages.