Impact of In-Laws on Marriage Stability Among Couples in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State: Implications for Marital Counseling

Hadiza Nasir Ibrahim; ASS-Prof. M.S. Nawait; Faruk Aliyu PhD; Haliru Shehu PhD

doi:10.56201/jhsp.vol.12.no7.2026.pg30.37

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Impact of In-Laws on Marriage Stability Among Couples in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State: Implications for Marital Counseling

Hadiza Nasir Ibrahim, ASS-Prof. M.S. Nawait, Faruk Aliyu PhD, Haliru Shehu PhD

Abstract

This seminar paper examined the impact of mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on marriage stability among couples in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State and explored the implications for marital counseling. The study was guided by two objectives: to examine the influence of mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on marriage stability. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with married couples registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission in Wamakko Local Government Area serving as the target population. Data were proposed to be collected using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the reviewed literature revealed that mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law can positively influence marriage through emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. However, excessive interference, criticism, jealousy, gossip, and involvement in family decision-making were found to contribute to marital conflict and instability. The paper concluded that while supportive in-law relationships strengthen marriages, negative interference undermines marital harmony. It therefore recommended that marital counseling should emphasize effective communication, healthy boundary-setting, conflict resolution skills, and culturally appropriate strategies for managing relationships with extended family members in order to promote stable and satisfying marriages. P-ISSN 2695 2416

Keywords

Marriage stabilityin-lawsmothers-in-lawsisters-in-lawmarital counselingWamakko Local Government AreaSokoto State.

References

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Impact of In-Laws on Marriage Stability Among Couples in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State: Implications for Marital Counseling

Abstract

Keywords

References

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