Relationship between Facebook Use and Marital Stability Among Married Individuals in Embakasi West Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors
Institute of Youth Studies Tangaza University, Nairobi (Kenya)
Institute of Youth Studies Tangaza University, Nairobi (Kenya)
Institute of Youth Studies Tangaza University, Nairobi (Kenya)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000332
Subject Category: Sociology
Volume/Issue: 9/10 | Page No: 4050-4057
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-10-11
Accepted: 2025-10-17
Published: 2025-11-11
Abstract
Marriage remains a key societal institution, with marital stability crucial for couples and child-rearing. Despite rising interest, especially in the era of social media, limited research examines Facebook use and marital stability among married individuals. This study investigated this relationship in Embakasi West Constituency, guided by Social Exchange and Social Comparison Theories. Using a quantitative correlational survey design, 300 respondents completed structured questionnaires, including the Facebook Intensity Scale and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. Findings revealed that Facebook use has both positive and negative effects, with excessive use undermining trust, intimacy, and quality time. Recommendations include awareness programs by counselors, curricular revisions in educational institutions, and policymaker engagement.
Keywords
sociology
Downloads
References
1. Adegoke, T., & Esere, M. (2020). Economic challenges and marital instability in Nigerian cities. Journal of African Studies, 12(3), 85–102. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Clayton, R. B., Nagurney, A., & Smith, J. R. (2013). Cheating, breakup, and divorce: Is Facebook use to blame? Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(10), 717–720. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0424 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Deloitte. (2016). Burundi Economic Outlook 2016 The Story Behind the Numbers (pp. 1–11). https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ug/Documents/tax/Economic Outlook 2016 UG.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Effa, B., & Nwogu, N. (2019). Communication, trust, and emotional support as determinants of marital stability. International Journal of Psychology and Counseling, 11(4), 58–65. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2021). Social media use and relationship quality: Facebook’s role in conflict and commitment. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(2), 400–421. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Festinger, L. (1954). A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Fox, J., & Warber, K. M. (2013). Romantic relationship development in the age of Facebook: An exploratory study of emerging adults’ perceptions, motives, and behaviors. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(1), 3–7. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Fryer, L. K., Ainley, M., Thompson, A., Gibson, A., & Sherlock, Z. (2017). Stimulating and sustaining interest in a language course: An experimental comparison of Chatbot and Human task partners. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 461–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.05.045 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Gaucher, D., Latimer, K. L., & Côté, S. (2021). Social exchange theory and relationship commitment: A meta-analysis. Personal Relationships, 28(4), 984–1002. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12398 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2019). What makes love last? How to build trust and avoid betrayal. Simon & Schuster. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Grieve, R., Witteveen, K., Tolan, G. A., & Marrington, J. (2013). Face-to-face or Facebook: Can social connectedness be derived online? Computers in Human Behavior, 29, 604–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.11.017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Hertlein, K. M., & Chan, D. (2020). The role of technology in long-distance relationships: A review. Family Relations, 64(4), 523–536. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12524 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Ibrahim, M., Sulaiman, M., Al Kahtani, A., & Abu-Jarad, I. (2012). The relationship between strategy implementation and performance of manufacturing firms in Indonesia: The role of formality structure as a moderator. World Applied Sciences Journal, 20(7), 955–964. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wasj.2012.20.07.2799 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Iqbal, F., & Jami, H. (2019). Effect of Facebook use intensity upon marital satisfaction among Pakistani married Facebook users: a model testing. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 34(1), 191–213. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Karanja, A. (2023). Social media and marital dissatisfaction: A study of Facebook usage among couples in Kenya. Journal of Social Psychology, 29(3), 150–162. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Kendall, P. C. (Ed.). (2011). Child and adolescent therapy: Cognitive-behavioral procedures. Guilford Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Kim, J. H., Seo, M., & David, P. (2015). Alleviating depression only to become problematic mobile phone users: Can face-to-face communication be the antidote? In Computers in Human Behavior (Vol. 51, Issue PA). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.05.030 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Kodzai, M. (2015). The Influence of Facebook usage on Marital Relationships in Zimbabwe: An exploratory study of Gwabalanda community. University of Pretoria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Kulu, H., & Hannemann, T. (2019). Levels of Marital Stability Among Married Individuals. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Lee, J. (2021). Social networking sites and their impact on marital stability and divorce rates. Journal of Social Media Research, 15(2), 123–145. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Mitchell, M. S., Cropanzano, R., & Quisenberry, D. (2012). Social exchange theory, exchange resources and interpersonal relationships: A modest resolution of theoretical difficulties. In K. Tornblom & A. Kazemi (Eds.), Handbook of social resource theory (pp. 99–118). Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Mugisha, J., & Odiwuor, S. (2018). Marital stability in East Africa: A review of trends and challenges. Journal of African Marriages, 15(4), 112–124. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Muthoni, J. (2021). The impact of social media on marital relationships in Kenya. Journal of Family Studies, 13(2), 120–134. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Mutiso, L. K. (2020). Communication Cues in Marriage Conflicts-a Case Study of Middle-class Couples in Embakasi Constituency in Nairobi County. University of Nairobi. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Muturi, C., & Kinyua, B. (2019). Gender roles and marital instability among Kenyan couples. East African Journal of Social Sciences, 22(3), 67–79. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Nisar, T. M., Prabhakar, G., Ilavarasan, P. V, & Baabdullah, A. M. (2019). Facebook usage and mental health: An empirical study of role of non-directional social comparisons in the UK. International Journal of Information Management, 48, 53–62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Odhiambo, E. O., & Maito, M. W. (2013). Social media and marital stability: A study of Facebook use among married individuals in Homabay County, Kenya. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 2(7), 48–54. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Odhiambo, M. W., & Kimani, D. W. (2021). Technological Adaptation and Performance in Kenyan Agricultural Boards. Journal of Innovation and Development in Africa, 9(1), 68–77. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Omoro, P. M. (2018). Investigating the Causes and Possible Solutions of Divorce in Nairobi City County, Kenya. University of Nairobi. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Özad, B. E., & Uygarer, G. (2014). Attachment Needs and Social Networking Sites. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 42(1), 43S-52S. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2014.42.0.s43 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Pinto, R. (2018). Marital stability and its implications for social values. Journal of Social, 34(2), 215–223. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Posel, D., & Rudwick, S. (2019). Divorce and marital instability in South Africa: Changing trends and patterns. South African Journal of Sociology, 48(2), 122–139. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Putri, N., & Aminatun, D. (2021). Using Facebook To Practice Writing Skill: What Do the Students Think? Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 2(1), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v2i1.852 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Servaes, J. (2020). Communication for development and social change: Conclusion. In Handbook of Communication for Development and Social Change (pp. 1471–1482). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2014-3_116 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- The Dynamic of Religious Pluralism and Cultural Identity in Rongmei Naga (Kabui) Society
- Effects of Social-Economic Empowerment of Teenage Mothers and Nurture Care. A Case of Kimbilio Hope Centre, Machakos, Kenya
- Gendering Caste and Casteing Gender: A Study of Social Sickness in Uma Chakravarti’s Gendering Caste: Through a Feminist Lens
- Counselling as Social Work for Women Empowerment in Akwa Ibom State: A Case Study of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Implications for Counsellors
- Motherhood: Inclusion and Containment, A Case Study