MARITAL RAPE AND SEXUAL INCOMPATIBILITY AS PREDICTORS OF DIVORCE AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN LAGOS MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated marital rape and sexual incompatibility as predictors of divorce among married couples in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study utilized the descriptive survey design, and data were collected from 100 married people through a questionnaire that included items adapted from the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale. The instrument had a reliability coefficient of 0.69. Multiple regression and an independent t-test were used for data analysis. The findings showed that marital rape and sexual incompatibility jointly predicted predisposition to divorce, however, only sexual incompatibility accounted for significant variation in divorce. There was no significant gender difference in the predisposition of married couples to divorce due to sexual incompatibility. The findings suggest that marital stability is largely influenced by sexual satisfaction, and that accurate reporting and recognition of the impact of marital rape may be hampered by cultural silence surrounding the crime. The study recommended the legal recognition of marital rape, premarital counselling focused on sexual compatibility, and providing easy accessible post-marriage support services.