Emotional Intelligence and Communication Patterns as Predictors of Marital Adjustment Among Couples in South-East Nigeria

Ifeoma; Keziah Ekma Ph.D; Bitrus; Patience Yankat; Vincent; Chijioke Egbuchulam Mphil; M.ed; LPC

doi:10.56201/ijee.v12.no.2.2026.pg632.642

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Emotional Intelligence and Communication Patterns as Predictors of Marital Adjustment Among Couples in South-East Nigeria

Ifeoma, Keziah Ekma Ph.D, Bitrus, Patience Yankat, Vincent, Chijioke Egbuchulam Mphil, M.ed, LPC

Abstract

This paper examined emotional intelligence and communication patterns as important predictors of marital adjustment among couples in South-East Nigeria. The paper explored the concepts of emotional intelligence, communication patterns, and marital adjustment, highlighting their relevance to the stability and success of marital relationships. It discussed how emotional intelligence, through self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and social skills, enables couples to manage conflicts effectively and maintain harmonious relationships. The paper also reviewed the role of positive communication patterns, such as openness, active listening, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue, in fostering understanding and emotional intimacy between spouses. Drawing from the Emotional Intelligence Theory of Daniel Goleman (1995) and relevant literature, the paper argued that emotionally intelligent couples with healthy communication patterns are more likely to achieve better marital adjustment and family stability. The paper further emphasized the role of guidance and counselling professionals in promoting emotional competence and effective communication skills among married couples through counselling and intervention programmes. It concluded that strengthening emotional intelligence and communication patterns is essential for enhancing marital adjustment and reducing marital instability in South-East Nigeria. The paper recommended that counsellors, religious organizations, community leaders, and family therapists should intensify programmes aimed at developing emotional intelligence and healthy communication skills among couples.

Keywords

Emotional intelligencecommunication patternsmarital adjustmentcouplesguidance and counsellingSouth-East Nigeria.

References

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Emotional Intelligence and Communication Patterns as Predictors of Marital Adjustment Among Couples in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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