The Influence of Premarital Counselling on Marital Stability Among Ugandan Seventh-day Adventist Couples

Abstract

This study examined the influence of pastoral premarital counselling on marital stability among Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) couples in Kampala, Uganda. Guided by Acceptance and Commitment Theory, the study employed a cross-sectional correlational design where data were collected using a questionnaire administered to one spouse from each of the 275 married couples. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and hierarchical regression analyses. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between all premarital counselling dimensions and marital stability. Communication (, ) and conflict management (, ) showed the strongest associations, followed by financial management (, ) and role sharing (, ). Collectively, these dimensions explained 69.1% of the variance in marital stability (, ). Conflict management emerged as the strongest predictor (β, ), followed by communication (, ), financial management (, ), and role sharing (, ). The findings demonstrate that effective communication, constructive conflict resolution, financial planning, and shared marital responsibilities are important mechanisms through which pastoral premarital counselling promotes stable marriages. The study highlights the need for comprehensive premarital counselling programmes within Ugandan SDA communities.