FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE POST MARITAL COUNSELLING PARTICIPATION

Abstract

Despite Post Marital Counselling (PMC) effectiveness, most couples seek marital help very late when their problems have worsened.  The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore factors that influence couples participation in PMC. The study sample consisted of married couples and service providers. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to select 25 participants who took part in the interviews and focus group discussions. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic data analysis was utilized to analyze the data. The findings indicated that unwillingness to attend PMC, lack of awareness, and prohibitive fees were some of the factors that influence PMC nonparticipation. Implications and professional considerations for professional practice are outlined in order to further assist in exploring the factors that influence to couples’ nonattendance of PMC intervention.