EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND FORGIVENESS AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL SUCCESS AMONG THE MARRIED STAFF OF DENNIS OSADEBAY UNIVERSITY

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Psychology
2-Guidance and Counselling
3-Sociology
4-Human Relations and Personnel Management

TOPIC: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND FORGIVENESS AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL SUCCESS AMONG THE MARRIED STAFF OF DENNIS OSADEBAY UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothes
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Scope of the study
1.8 Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2.Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Studies
2.4 Appraisal of Literature
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design 
3.2 Population of the Study 
3.3 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
3.5 Validity and Reliability  of the Instrument
3.6 Methods of Data Collection
3.7 Methods of Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis 
3.9  Ethical Considerations 
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Presentation 
4.2 Demographic Analysis
4.3 Analysis of Research Questions
4.4 Hypotheses Test
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION &RECOMENDATION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Implication of Findings
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Limitation of the study
5.6  Suggestion for Further Studies
References
Appendix

ABSTRACT
The study investigated how emotional intelligence and forgiveness predict marital success among married staff of Dennis Osadebay University. Anchored on Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory (1995) and Enright’s Forgiveness Process Theory (2001), the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population included all189 married academic and non academic personnel of the university and a sample size of 128 was chosen with yamane sampling technique. A well-designed questionnaire was employed to acquire information on emotional intelligence, forgiveness, and marriage success. Among the 128 copies of the survey question issued, 125 were collected and 123 was valid to be analyzed. Analysis of the collected data was carried out based on descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and standard deviations) whereas Pearson Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis tests were utilized as necessary to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that emotional intelligence in respondents was very high (M = 3.67, ± 1.05) on the whole, except the expressive and the recovery skills, which were lower (M = 2.91 2.98). The level of forgiveness was moderately high, whereas letting go of anger to achieve peace (M = 3.49, ± 1.21), and forgiveness strengthens our bond (M = 3.45 ± 1.24) received the highest number of affirmative endorsements, whereas verbal forgiveness and avoidance of silent treatment ranked low in this parameter (M = 2.56, 2.61). Emotional intelligence was positively correlated with marital success (r = .642, p < .05) and forgiveness had moderate relationship with passengers behaving themselves (r = .587, p < .05). The multiple regression showed that both emotional intelligence (beta = .452, p < .021) and forgiveness (beta = .401, p < .027) were significant predictors of marital success with a total of 50.7 percent accounted variance (R 2 = .507, F(2,120) = 62.592, p < .012). Relying on these results, it was suggested to make the university public counseling services on-going workshops aimed at strengthening emotional awareness and interpersonal forgiveness among the members of the staff and marital improvement as regards the emotional control and reconciliation patterns that are to be improved by the couples in question.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
Marriage as a fundamental social institution forms the foundation of family creation and societal continuity. It symbolises a legally and socially recognised union that fosters emotional companionship, economic collaboration, and the procreation and socialisation of children. According to Adesanya and Ogundipe (2021), marriage is "a socially and legally recognised union between two individuals that involves mutual obligations and is often expected to last over a lifetime, serving both personal and societal functions." Through marriage, values such as responsibility, care, and partnership are developed and passed down through generations. In contemporary society, despite the increasing complexities of relationships, marriage remains essential for social stability, psychological fulfilment, and the well-being of both spouses and their children. 
The importance of marriage extends beyond personal satisfaction; underpins social cohesion, provides emotional security, and contributes to economic resilience within households (Aina & Okonkwo, 2022). Therefore, marital success becomes a key indicator of relational health and the stability of this institution. Although there is no universally accepted definition of marital success, it often includes factors such as emotional satisfaction, effective communication, mutual respect, conflict resolution, and long-term commitment (Lawal & Iweka, 2022). In empirical literature, marital success is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of relational harmony, shared goals, and resilience in facing challenges. A successful marriage is one where partners experience personal growth, intimacy, and cooperation over time. 
In academic environments, where personal and professional demands frequently intersect, sustaining a successful marriage can be particularly challenging. Psychological traits such as emotional intelligence (EI) and forgiveness have emerged as key predictors of marital resilience, particularly under high-stress conditions like those common in university settings. These variables help couples to regulate emotions, navigate conflict, and maintain mutual empathy—core traits that support healthy and lasting marital relationships (Omoluabi & Adekeye, 2021; Nwankwo & Egbo, 2023). Emotional intelligence (EI), as theorised by Goleman and further explored in empirical studies, refers to the ability to identify, understand, regulate, and use emotions effectively in oneself and others. Schutte et al. (2021) define emotional intelligence as "a multifaceted ability that includes emotional awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills which are essential for effective social functioning." In marriage, EI appears through the ability to manage emotional triggers, respond with empathy, stay calm during disagreements, and offer support during distress. Spouses with high EI are more likely to communicate constructively, show patience, and diffuse tensions before they turn into conflict. According to Omotosho and Udeh (2022), emotionally intelligent partners demonstrate higher satisfaction and less relational aggression, as they tend to prioritise understanding over confrontation and collaboration over control. Thus, EI encourages emotional attunement, which is vital for everyday functioning and the long-term success of marital unions.
On the other hand, forgiveness is a relational process in whichone relinquishes resentment, provides emotional release, and renews commitment after interpersonal transgressions. Fincham et al. (2024) define it as “a motivational transformation in which the desire to retaliate is replaced with compassion and the intention to repair a damaged relationship.” In marital context, forgiveness facilitates healing, enhances psychological well-being, and preserves emotional bonds in the face of inevitable human shortcomings. As noted by Okafor and Bassey (2023), couples who practise forgiveness are more likely to experience trust restoration, intimacy renewal, and resilience after conflicts. It allows for continuity in the relationship by acknowledging harm while choosing empathy and reconciliation over withdrawal or retaliation. Forgiveness does not equate to forgetting or condoning hurtful actions but instead serves as a powerful mechanism to reestablish marital unity. Together, emotional intelligence and forgiveness play indispensable roles in fostering marital success enabling partners to understand each other deeply, recove from emotional wounds, and grow stronger through adversity. 
Given that academic institutions are inherently demanding environments, the dual responsibility of navigating professional expectations and maintaining fulfilling personal relationships adds layers of complexity to marital life. For married university staff who must balance the pressures of teaching, research, and administrative duties alongside domestic obligations, emotional resilience and interpersonal sensitivity become critical to sustaining marital satisfaction and long-term stability. These dynamics reveals the importance of exploring psychological traits like emotional intelligence and forgiveness as they predicts  marital success within  academic setting. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing rise in marital breakdowns, particularly among working professionals. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2022), lack of marital resilience among middle-class couples have increased by over 14% in the past five years, with a noticeable trend among educated spouses. Studies by  Akpan and Nwachukwu (2021) highlight that , poor conflict resolution, and emotional withdrawal are among the leading causes of failed unions among professionals. Within academic institutions where time demands, stress, and role overload are highthese issues are often amplified, with many couples struggling to maintain emotional connection and mutual understanding. A recurring theme in these studies is the role of emotional intelligence and forgiveness in fostering marital cohesion. Many marital partners exhibit low emotional intelligence, leading to impulsive reactions, miscommunication, and emotional isolation. Similarly, unforgiveness rooted in unresolved offenses, bitterness, and the inability to extend emotional release can severely damage trust and deepen relational fractures (Wade et al., 2024). These traits are often influenced by upbringing, personality traits, and socio-cultural conditioning, but also by institutional pressures such as work-life imbalance and limited time for emotional bonding. Within the university system, where academic workloads and deadlines dominate the daily routine, these relational competencies are frequently overlooked, leaving many couples vulnerable to emotional drift. 
Interestingly, much of the existing literature has generalized marital dynamics without specifically addressing the unique realities of married women in academia—who often carry disproportionate burdens of domestic and professional obligations. The dual expectation of being both productive scholars and nurturing partners can create emotional fatigue, leaving little room for intentional emotional connection or forgiveness practices. Despite increasing scholarly interest in marital wellbeing among professionals, limited research has explored how emotional intelligence and forgiveness jointly predict marital success in Nigeria’s university system. Specifically, there is a lack of empirical data on how these traits operate within newer academic institutions like Dennis Osadebay University, where staff face unique occupational stressors. Base on this premise, this study is designed to emotional intelligence and forgiveness predict marital success among married staff of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. 
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to examine emotional intelligence and forgiveness predict marital success among married staff of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The specific objectives are to:
i.Assess the level of emotional intelligence among married staff.
ii.Determine the degree of forgiveness exhibited in marital relationships.
iii.Examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and marital success.
iv.Investigate the relationship between forgiveness and marital success.
Determine the combined predictive power of emotional intelligence and forgiveness on marital success.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Delimitations of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW  (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of emotional intelligence, the concept of forgiveness, the concept of marital success, the relationship between emotional intelligence and marital success, the relationship between forgiveness and marital success, and the factors influencing marital success among the married staff of Dennis Osadebay University. The chapter covers the following subheadings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY  (Preview)
Research Design: The study adopted a correlational survey research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises married academic and non-academic staff of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 128 respondents.
Sampling Technique: The study employed stratified and convenience sampling techniques to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis, were used to examine the relationships among emotional intelligence, forgiveness, and marital success and to determine their predictive power.

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made:

i. The study found that the level of emotional intelligence among married staff at Dennis Osadebay University was generally moderate to high, as seven out of ten items recorded mean scores of 3.00 and above, with the highest mean score of 3.67 for recognizing emotional overwhelm during marital disagreements and understanding how emotions affect spousal interactions. However, expressing feelings without creating conflict (mean = 2.98) and recovering emotionally after misunderstandings (mean = 2.91) were below the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.642 and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.01), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and marital success.

ii. The study found that the level of forgiveness among married staff at Dennis Osadebay University was generally positive, as seven out of ten items recorded mean scores above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The highest mean score was 3.50 for forgiving a spouse easily after a disagreement, followed by 3.49 for letting go of anger to maintain marital peace. However, avoiding retaliation (mean = 2.95), refraining from giving a spouse the silent treatment (mean = 2.61), and finding it easy to say “I forgive you” (mean = 2.56) fell below the benchmark. The corresponding hypothesis test showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.587 and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates a significant positive relationship between forgiveness and marital success.

iii. The study found that emotional intelligence and forgiveness jointly predict marital success among married staff at Dennis Osadebay University. Respondents agreed that emotional management enhances mutual understanding (mean = 3.94), emotional regulation contributes to conflict resolution (mean = 3.84), and empathy fosters emotional connection (mean = 3.81). The multiple regression analysis produced an R-value of 0.712 and an R²-value of 0.507, indicating that emotional intelligence and forgiveness jointly explained 50.7% of the variation in marital success. The corresponding hypothesis test showed an F-value of 62.592 and a p-value of 0.012 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates that emotional intelligence and forgiveness jointly make significant positive contributions to predicting marital success.

CHAPTER FIVE:SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Summary of the Study
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Implication of the Study
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Study Limitations
5.6 Suggestion for Further Studies

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