For better or worse: a phenomenological study of the meaning of marriage amongst Nigerian women in monogamous marriages

DCPsych thesis


Abdul, Z.O. 2021. For better or worse: a phenomenological study of the meaning of marriage amongst Nigerian women in monogamous marriages. DCPsych thesis Middlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC) Psychology
TypeDCPsych thesis
TitleFor better or worse: a phenomenological study of the meaning of marriage amongst Nigerian women in monogamous marriages
AuthorsAbdul, Z.O.
Abstract

The research titled – a phenomenological study on the meaning of marriage among Nigerian women in monogamous marriages sought to ask how Nigerian women make sense of their marriages, and how their marriages affect them taking into consideration their four worlds.

Eight participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as the primary methodology, and Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) was adopted as a tool in filtering the analysis, looking at their narratives through their lived personal, physical, social and spiritual world.

Four themes and nine sub themes were generated from this research; they are: Loss of freedom with sub themes marriage as slavery and being owned, second theme is the reality of marriage with benefits in title, and shame as subthemes, the third theme is sociocultural dimension with family within culture, role of religion and meaning over time. The last theme is the self with being for self and identity and being independent as subthemes.

The findings in this study are in line with some of the existing research and literature; it was found that women struggle with the cultural and familial expectations of the society. It was also found that women who see themselves as individuals with responsibilities that go beyond being a wife see marriage as more meaningful. Financial independence stands out as a theme that women relate strongly to in that, it serves as a means through which a better sense of self is achieved, respect is earned, and more meaning is made.

The strengths and weaknesses of this research are highlighted, implication on the field of counselling psychology and psychotherapy as well as recommendations for future research are proffered.

KeywordsMarriage; Meaning; Women; Nigerian Marriage; IPA; SEA
Sustainable Development Goals5 Gender equality
10 Reduced inequalities
3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
Department namePsychology
Science and Technology
Institution nameMiddlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
Collaborating institutionNew School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
PublisherMiddlesex University Research Repository
Publication dates
Online22 Nov 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted29 Nov 2021
Deposited22 Nov 2024
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
LanguageEnglish
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https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/1ww843

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ZOAbdul thesis.pdf
File access level: Open

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