
HEALTH TALK: When marriage can lead to psychological problems
By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS – Marriage could be defined as a state of being united to the opposite sex as husband and wife in a consensual and contractual manner.
It is a relationship between husband and wife. Advanced Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defined marriage as a legal relationship between husband and wife. Delli Gatti (1998), defined marriage as a spiritual and legal matter between husband and wife.
Marriage is generally a legally recognised union between two people, typically involving a commitment to share their lives together, build a family, and support one another emotionally, financially, and physically.
Harmonious marital relationship
A harmonious marital relationship is characterised by mutual respect, trust, effective communication, emotional intimacy, and a willingness to work through challenges together. Couples in harmonious relationships prioritize each other’s needs, foster a sense of teamwork, and cultivate a positive, supportive environment.
Types of marriages
Monogamous marriage: A union between a man and woman.
Polygamous marriage: A union between a man and multiple wives.
Polyandrous marriage: A union between one woman and multiple men.
Same-sex marriage: A union between two people of the same sex.
Arranged marriage: A union arranged by family members or others, often based on cultural or social expectations.
Interfaith marriage: A union between people from different religious backgrounds.
Self-uniting marriage: A marriage in which two partners are married without the presence of the third party.
Surrogate marriage: A marriage in which a man marries his wife’s sister usually after the wife is dead or has proved infertile.
Traditional marriage: A term used by social conservatives to describe only monogamous opposite sex marriages.
Sexless marriage: A marriage in which there is no sex between both partners.
Factors that foster harmonious marital relationships
Effective communication: Open, honest, and respectful communication.
Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.
Trust and loyalty: Mutual commitment to the relationship.
Shared values and goals: Common interests, values, and life objectives.
Intimacy and affection: Physical and emotional closeness.
Conflict resolution: Ability to manage and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.
Support and encouragement: Mutual support and encouragement.
Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
A husband must ensure that he pays correct dowry before taking the possession of his wife.
Husbands should ensure that …
To be continued…
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Diretor, Clinical Psychology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos