International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Family communication plays a vital role in promoting understanding, trust, conflict resolution, and stability in marriage. Effective communication strengthens emotional bonds and fosters peaceful cohabitation, whereas poor communication often results in misunderstandings, conflicts, and marital instability. The increasing incidence of marital conflicts and relationship breakdowns in Nsukka, Enugu State, underscores the need to examine the role of family communication in sustaining marital peace among married couples.
Objective: This study investigated the role of family communication in sustaining marital peace among married couples in Nsukka, Enugu State.
Method: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised married couples in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Cochran's formula for an infinite population was used to determine a sample size of 384 respondents. A multi-stage sampling technique involving cluster and simple random sampling was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire whose validity was established by experts, while its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.81. The data were analyzed using frequency distributions and percentages. Results: The findings revealed that family communication plays a significant role in sustaining marital peace by promoting mutual understanding, trust, emotional bonding, and effective conflict resolution among married couples. Open communication and regular family discussions emerged as key strategies for fostering marital harmony, while inadequate quality time, cultural differences, inconsistent communication, and excessive social media use were identified as major barriers to effective family communication.
Conclusion: Family communication is a critical determinant of marital peace among married couples in Nsukka. However, contemporary social challenges, particularly excessive social media use and limited quality interaction, continue to hinder effective communication within families.
Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating the significance of family communication practices in sustaining marital peace among married couples in Nsukka, Enugu State. It also enriches the literature on family communication and marital stability within the Nigerian context.
Key Recommendation: Married couples should cultivate open and honest communication, spend quality time together, engage in regular family discussions, and moderate excessive social media use to strengthen marital relationships and promote lasting marital peace.