The Effectiveness of Negotiation Skills Training In Resolving Marital Conflicts among Selected Christian Literate Couples in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of negotiation skills training in resolving marital conflicts among selected Christian literate couples in Lagos metropolis. The study adopted a pre "“test, post-test quasi experimental design. The sample consisted of 120 literate Christian couples. 60 couples each were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups respectively. The participants were given a pre-test self "“ designed questionnaire titled "Spousal Conflict Resolution Pattern Questionnaire" (SCRPQ). The experimental group was lectured for a period of four weeks on negotiation skills after which the post "“ test was carried out. The hypotheses were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results of the hypotheses indicated that there was a significant mean difference between the experimental group and control group. It also showed that gender and length of marriage do not have any significant influence on spousal conflict resolution pattern. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that counsellors and couples should be given extra training on communication, negotiation skills and cohabitation related skills that will enhance marital stability. This could be done through seminars and workshops on marriage counselling so as to enable them function maximally in marriage counselling among others.