CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

It is a universal, cultural idea that life should be orderly and that families, like clocks, should run smoothly, quietly leading to continuity of life. But this do not seem to be so in many societies, where all forms of marital instability are the order of the day. Various forms of marital instability, which reflect disruptive events that undermine the continuity, cohesiveness, and predictability of family life from the child's perspective, have been shown to increase children's vulnerability to psychological problems Ackerman, el al (1999). For example, residential changes, parental illness, parental romantic relationship, transitions, and changes in caregivers are specific disruptive events that have been associated with a wide range of maladjustment among both children. Thus, any single disruptive event, such as divorce, is part of a larger constellation of marital instability characterized by parental marital transitions, frequent moving, income and occupational changes, and disruptions in family routines.

Becker, (2002) Marriage is very important in humans’ life as said by the holy Prophet Muhammad that whoever that refuses to marry is not among my people, therefore marriage is very vital purposely for our faith to be completed.

Uka, Obidoa & Uzoechina, (2013) Parents expect his or her child later in life to engage in marriage for procreation and continuity. Marriage is a basic institution in every society designed by God as a social agreement between two individual to become husband and wife. Ryan & Powelson, (2010) it is an institution that gives legitimacy to sexual relationship and reproduction of legitimate children. Gbenda, & Akume, (2002) Abane, (2003). Bumpass, (2009) affirm that Marriage involves joining in matrimony two individuals of different genders to become one flesh as husband and wife, given the need for companionship, procreation, continuing and sustaining family ties.