SEXUAL SATISFACTION AND COMMUNICATION IN MARRIAGE: KEY FACTORS IN MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED RESIDENTS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Marital satisfaction is widely recognized as a global concern, as the quality of marital relationships has profound implications for individuals’ psychological well-being, family stability, and societal functioning across diverse cultural contexts. This study examined the predictive roles of sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, and personality traits in marital satisfaction among married residents of Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 400 married adults selected using a purposive sampling technique. Standardized measures were used to assess marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, and personality traits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The results indicated that sexual satisfaction and interpersonal communication were significant predictors of marital satisfaction. Individuals who reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction and more effective communication with their spouses also reported greater marital satisfaction. Although personality traits were examined, only agreeableness significantly predicted marital satisfaction, while other traits did not show meaningful effects when considered alongside relational factors. Further analysis revealed that sexual satisfaction and interpersonal communication jointly accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in marital satisfaction. These findings highlight the central role of relational processes, particularly communication and sexual fulfillment, in shaping marital satisfaction. The study suggests that interventions aimed at improving communication skills and enhancing sexual satisfaction may be effective in promoting healthier and more satisfying marital relationships.

Keywords: marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, personality traits, marriage, psychological well-being