The impact of marital conflict on the couple's mental health

The present work is a contribution to the study of marital conflicts in northern Benin. It involved a study of 200 individuals surveyed in the commune of Parakou. The frequency of marital conflicts was: 2.5% for occasional conflicts; 26.5% for regular conflicts and 1% for daily conflicts. Marital conflicts were more common among women (54%) than men (46%). These conflicts had multiple origins: 44% of individuals had marital conflicts; the most frequently encountered causes were child-related issues, financial management, everyday life and telephone use. The repercussions of these conflicts on mental health were anxiety disorders, followed by depressive disorders, sexual disorders and finally alcohol abuse and dependence. Solutions included dialogue, followed by help from parents, friends and prayer. Crises within couples are on the increase, and deserve to be dealt with within family mediation structures to preserve the health of both parents and children.

Autorentext

Born into a modest family in Ouèdèmè in central Benin, he started school at the age of 7. After his parents separated at an early age, he was educated by his grandmother. After many ups and downs in his life, he obtained his "brevet d'étude du premier cycle" in 2001 and his "baccalauréat série D" in 2004, and went on to study at university.