INFLUENCE OF COMMUNICATION STYLES ON MARITAL STABILITY AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN AKOKO SOUTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE

Communication has long been recognised as a vital determinant of relationship quality, yet many marriages face challenges due to ineffective interaction patterns. The study examined the influence of communication style on marital stability among couples in Akoko Southwest Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria. The main objectives of this study were to investigate how communication styles predict marital stability, assess whether gender differences exist in communication patterns, and determine the extent to which communication contributes to harmony and conflict resolution in marriage. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of married couples residing in Akoko Southwest, from which a sample of 120 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean score and regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that communication style significantly influenced marital stability [t(1,118) = 4.788, p < .05], with communication involving appreciation and validation being the frequently used (X ̅ = 3.23). The majority of couples (91.7%) acknowledged each other's feelings and emotions, and they experienced a positive relationship, with mutual understanding, conflict resolution, and emotional satisfaction (X ̅ = 3.14). Couples who adopted aggressive or passive communication reported withdrawal, criticism and silence as signs of instability (80%). The study concluded that effective communication is a significant predictor of marital stability. It is recommended that couples should be guided on how to recognise and maximise positive communication styles to enhance understanding and reduce conflict in marriage. Marriage counsellors should emphasise communication skills training in premarital and marital programs.