Severity of Marital Distress and Subsequent Activation of Support Systems among Christians in an East African Metropolis

Marital distress is a prevalent problem with adverse effects among married persons. The aim of the study was to establish the severity of marital distress among married persons in selected churches in the East African city of Nairobi, Kenya. The study also sought to assess the support systems the participants utilized to cope with marital problems. A cross-sectional research design was used for the study, and the sites and participants were purposively selected. A total of 204 married persons drawn from churches in Nairobi were recruited to participate in the study. Data was collected using a social demographic questionnaire and the Locke Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (MAT). Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27 (SPSS). ANOVA was carried out to assess the association between variables. The study found that among those affected by marital distress, high marital distress was more common. The number of support systems activated was significantly associated with the severity of marital distress (p=0.01). The study found that most married people in church do not seek help, and when they do, they are most likely to turn to the clergy. Marital counselling was an underutilized option, with main barriers including lack of a therapist, prohibitive cost of therapy, conflicting schedules with spouses, and spouses unwilling to attend therapy. The study recommends that the church have a robust program to support couples, the clergy acquire skills to handle marital distress, and for the church to have professional referral networks in order to support those facing marital distress.