Influence of Mobile Devices Use on the Level of Marital Satisfaction among Couples in Mck Nkubu Synod, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Kirinyaga Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Marital satisfaction is an indicator of health and quality in a marriage relationship. However, marital satisfaction does not just occur, but hinges on good communication. Communication enhances cohesion among married couples and promotes marital satisfaction. Interestingly, addiction and misuse of technology in mobile devices anticipated to enhance communication among married couples and contribute to marital satisfaction has been associated with adverse effects on marriages. This study seeks to examine the influence of the use of mobile devices on marital satisfaction among couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County, Kenya. Nkubu Synod covers Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties, and is positioned on the Eastern and Southern sides of Mt. Kenya. The Synod covers a total of 21 administrative units, commonly referred to as circuits. The study was guided by four objectives; namely; to investigate the influence of social media use on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; to explore the influence of mobile game use on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; to analyse the effects of mobile phone calls on marital satisfaction in married couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod; and to determine the influence of marriage character traits on the level of marital satisfaction among married people in MCK, Nkubu Synod. The study was anchored on two theories: the family systems theory and cognitive behaviour theory (CBT) that guided data analysis. The study adopted a Mixed-Methods research approach, where qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The study targeted 4003 married couples in Nkubu Synod as per Nkubu Synod 2019 Annual Committee Resolution and Reports. This population translated to 8006 married persons. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 367 respondents for the study. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were utilized in collecting data. Pre-testing of instruments enhanced determination of their validity and reliability. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to modify, code, input, and analyse quantitative data, while the thematic technique was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study used multiple regression analysis to show the relationships that existed between the independent and dependent variables. The study established that when combined, social media use, mobile gaming and mobile phone calls formed a model that was found statistically significant in determining couples' marital satisfaction in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County. However, in an integrated model, social media was weightier as compared to the other two uses of mobile devices. As regards the moderating effect of marriage characteristics such as the level of education, the number of years in marriage, and the income, the study found out that the level of education and the income both had statistically insignificant moderation effect on the relationship between mobile device use and the marital satisfaction of couples in MCK, Nkubu Synod, Meru County. However, the number of years in marriage was the statistically significant moderator on the relationship between media device use and couples' marital satisfaction. The study recommends that the church leadership develops comprehensive guidance and counselling church training curriculum to equip the couples with knowledge on drivers of marriage dissatisfaction and train them on effective use of social media, mobile games and mobile phone calls. The study findings may aid in the development of appropriate psychological therapies and promote appropriate models for marital satisfaction.