Perception of Premarital Counseling among University Students: a case study of University of Eldoret

Abstract

Marriage is the most important and serious step preceding establishing a family. Increasing year by year, the number of divorces leads to the obvious conclusion that couples’ expectations from marriage were not fulfilled. Suicides, killings, high divorce rates and marital conflicts are evident in almost every newspaper and other media about university students. Divorce is catastrophic, leaving in its wake insecure and hurting children and spouses. Therefore, purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of premarital counseling among students at University of Eldoret. The study objectives were: to investigate the students’ knowledge level of premarital counseling at the University of Eldoret; to assess the importance attached to premarital counseling by students at university of Eldoret; and to establish the perception of premarital counseling among students at university of Eldoret. This study was guided by solution- focused theory. The current study employed a case study research design. This study was conducted at the University of Eldoret. Students from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year from all the faculties were chosen to be the target population for this study. The total targeted population was composed of 10,600 students. The sample size for this study was derived from the target population using the Yamene formula. The sample size of this research was therefore going to be 99 university students. The sampling technique adopted was therefore probability sampling, specifically, simple random. This study will make use of interview schedule as the main data collection tool. The study conducted a pilot study using 10 students from Moi University to find out if the participants understood the questionnaire. Data for this study was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze data. Tables and charts were used in presentation of data to allow visual simplicity of presented data. Qualitative data generated from questions was organized into themes, categories and patterns pertinent to the study. This helped identify information that was relevant to the research questions and objectives. The results of the study indicated that university students were aware of premarital counseling. The researcher also sought to find out the main source of knowledge about premarital counseling. Findings indicated that most of the respondents agreed that premarital counselling has values to the participants and others students who are preparing to get married. The areas usually given importance to premarital counselling are the couples interest and activities, self- expectations from the marriage, communication with each other, religion, family issues, children, finance and sexuality. Findings showed that premarital counseling can provide guidance so that each person can mature to their fullest potential within the boundaries of a vital, fulfilling relationship. Findings indicated that premarital counselling helps students to have skills on how to tackle their life experience; premarital counselling is a good idea and should be introduced to the university. This study concludes that University of Eldoret students have enough knowledge about premarital counseling program as a beneficial tool. The programs offered helps the couples to identify loopholes in the relationships: those that are likely to negatively affect their relationship and address them appropriately before the knot is tied. The study recommends that a curriculum should be designed by every University in consultation with the church to guide those who offer premarital counselling. This ensures that counseling becomes interesting and attractive to students thus encouraging them to participate in the programs. Premarital counseling should be maintained and encouraged in all the Universities.