CORRELATES OF DELAYED MARRIAGE AMONG MARRIAGEABLE YOUTHS IN SAGBAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYLESA STATE

Abstract

The study investigated correlates of delayed marriages among marriageable youths in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. A sample of 400 unmarried youths was used for the study. Correlational research design was used for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample. Four research questions were answered while four corresponding null hypotheses were tested in the study at 0.05 level of significance. Two instruments were used for the study; they are the Psychosocial Inventory (PI) and Marital Delay Survey (MDS). The instruments were validated by the research supervisor and two experts in Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach alpha reliability method of internal consistency. Psychosocial Inventory (PI) at 0.74 score and Marital Delay Survey (MDS) at 0.77 coefficient reliabilities. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested using p-value associated with Pearson product moment correlation. It was found among others that there is relationship between unemployment and delayed marriage among marriageable youths in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. It was also found that there is relationship between materialism and delayed marriage among marriageable youths. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that youths should put hindering religious beliefs aside when it comes to marital affairs. The study established empirically that unemployment, socio-economic status, materialism, and religion are major causes of delayed marriage among marriageable youths in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.