Al-Hikmah University Journal

Marital instability is a present day horror that has eaten deep into the society and the whole nation at large. This has become a source of concern for every Nigerians as many cases have been recorded lately across the nation. Marital instability is mostly associated with shock, fear or disbelief and long-term symptoms which include anxiety, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder among others. This paper reviewed scholarly literatures on incidence of marital instability in Nigeria, with the aim of identifying the prevalence as well as identify the gaps so as to uncover areas that would lead to further researches that will help in proffering a lasting solution to the menace in the nation. There are different factors or causes behind marital instability which people are not aware of. It is important to understand these factors to protect marital life. Consequences of marital instability are very severe and they deeply affect the physical and mental state of victims for a long time. Aftermath outcomes of instability are extremely painful because it disrupts the self esteem as well as physical and mental order of the victim. Victims suffer from traumatic stress and some long term physical health problems in life. It is therefore suggested that counsellors should intensify their efforts in engaging married couples in marital counselling religious leaders should preach more on the importance of stable home and couples to be should endeavour to attend premarital counselling.