Communication Cues in Marriage Conflicts- a Case Study of Middle-class Couples in Embakasi Constituency in Nairobi County

Abstract

The study focused on communication cues in marriage conflicts among middle-class couples in Embakasi Constituency in Nairobi County. The study was guided by four main objectives: To investigate the verbal and non-verbal cues used in communicating differences at various stages of the conflict cycle; to establish dominant attitude cues conflicting middle couples manifest towards each other during conflict; to explore verbal and non-verbal communication signs used in conflict resolution (de-escalation); and lastly to investigate whether or not conflict redefines communication behavior among conflicting middle class couples in Embakasi Constituency Nairobi County, and if so how? The study was anchored on two theories - Expectancy Violation and Social Exchange Theory. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to generate in-depth understanding of communication dynamics and the cues that manifest those dynamics during conflicts among couples. The study location was in Donholm Catholic Church and Mavuno Church Embakasi Constituency in Nairobi County. The study’s population was purposively sampled and it included men and women who were legally divorced, separated, and married conflicting couples and couples who were ready to reunite. In addition, key informants included professional and religious counselors. The sample size was made up of 12 participants. The data was collected through in-depth interviews using interview guide questions. The data was presented using direct quotes from the respondents to enable interpretation, discussion and drawing of conclusions. The research has found out that couples in conflict do not really understand each other’s communication cues as intended. Misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the verbal and non-verbal cues is responsible for conflict escalation and also that conflict redefines communication behavior among conflicting couples. Therefore, the research has recommended that marriage counselors include verbal and nonverbal cues in their teachings. Additionally Marriage is a lifetime commitment; hence the couple should invest in nurturing it through routine counseling and active listening.