THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION AND MARITAL HARMONY AMONG MARRIED CATHOLICS IN EDO AND DELTA STATES, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT : This study examined the relationship between assertive communication and marital harmony among married Catholics in Edo and Delta States. Using the multi-stage sampling procedure, the study investigated the relationship between social Intelligence and marital harmony among 606 married Catholics from 43 catholic parishes in Edo and Delta State Nigeria. Two instruments were used (Assertive Communication Scale and Marital Harmony Scale). Data were analysed using simple regression and multiple regression analysis. The result suggested that assertive communication; moderating variables of duration of marriage, educational status have strong correlation with marital harmony of the married Catholics. It was however, recommended that marriage counsellors should organize workshops, seminars for intending couples and married persons on how to spend quality time and instil the skills of assertive communication in their relationship.

KEYWORDS: Marital Harmony, Social Intelligence, Married Catholics