THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON THE HAPPINESS OF MARRIED WOMEN IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAGOS STATE.NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of social support on the happiness of married women in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. The research adopted a cross-sectional survey design involving 486 married female adults selected through convenient sampling. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested using Pearson correlation analysis, Regression Analysis, and Independent Statistical Analysis. Results from Pearson correlation and regression analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between social support and happiness (r = .452, p < .001), with social support accounting for 20.5% of the variance in happiness scores. Further analysis showed that belonging and tangible supports were significant independent predictors of happiness, while appraisal support was not. Additionally, although older women reported slightly higher levels of happiness (M=107.52), than their younger counterparts (M=104.46), the difference was not statistically significant (t= -1.89, df(484), >.01). The findings reveals the importance of emotional and practical support in promoting marital happiness among women. Implications for mental health interventions, family counseling, and gender-sensitive support systems are discussed.

Keywords: Social support, Happiness, Married women, Age.