Mother-in-Law Involvement and Nuclear Family Unity among Families in Tseikuru Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya: A Qualitative Study

Background: Mother-in-law involvement can significantly shape relationships, belonging, and cohesion within nuclear families, particularly in contexts where traditional expectations of intergenerational authority intersect with the growing desire of couples for autonomy. Aim: This study explored how the influence of mothers-in-law relates to nuclear family unity in Tseikuru Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological design guided by Communication Accommodation Theory. Ten participants, comprising five mothers-in-law and five daughters-in-law, were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using manual qualitative coding and inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four interrelated themes emerged: cultural expectations and the negotiation of family belonging; relational tension, discomfort and emotional distance; intrusion, boundary violations and threats to nuclear family autonomy; and family division, withdrawal and erosion of family unity. Participants described how conflicting cultural expectations, criticism, unwanted advice, limited openness, perceived intrusion, and weakly negotiated family boundaries could contribute to emotional distance and reduced family cohesion. However, supportive and respectful involvement was perceived as potentially strengthening intergenerational relationships. Conclusion: Mother-in-law influence relates to nuclear family unity through communication, boundary negotiation, belonging, and the quality of intergenerational relationships. Involvement that respects nuclear family autonomy and promotes mutual accommodation may strengthen cohesion.

mother-in-law influence; nuclear family unity; family cohesion; daughters-in-law; intergenerational relationships; Communication Accommodation Theory; qualitative study; Kenya.

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