Peer-reviewed article
The Effects of Residential Separation on Women and Child Welfare in Ikara LGA, Kaduna State
Veronica Luper Viashima ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5The study looks at how married couples living apart affects marriages and the well-being of women and children in Ikara Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. It used a survey of 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with 6 people. It reports that women face emotional and financial strain, and that children show emotional insecurity, behavioural problems and lower academic performance. It also reports that distance weakens communication and trust between spouses and disrupts parenting roles. The authors recommend counselling, psychosocial support, economic empowerment for women and community-led initiatives.
Key points
- Living separately places a significant emotional and financial burden on women, including stress, anxiety and a lack of support.
- Children in these households show emotional insecurity, behavioural issues and reduced academic performance.
- Marital relationships are strained by distance, with weaker communication, trust issues and disrupted parenting roles.
- The study recommends counselling and psychosocial support, economic empowerment programmes for women, and community-driven initiatives.
Limitations
The abstract describes a small, single-area sample (150 survey respondents and 6 interviewees) and gives no detail on how respondents were chosen or how child outcomes were measured. Results may not apply beyond Ikara LGA, and the abstract does not show whether children were reported on directly or through adults. The metadata country hint (RU) conflicts with the document, which is about Nigeria.
Abstract
This study explores the effects of residential separation among married couples on marital stability and the well-being of women and children in Ikara Local Government Area, Kaduna State. As more couples live apart due to economic pressures, job-related migration, or personal conflict, the research investigates how such arrangements influence emotional, social, and economic outcomes within the family unit. Anchored on Attachment Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the study sought theoretical explanation to the issues. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data using questionnaires from surveys administered to 150 selected respondents and qualitative data sourced from 6 interviewees of in-depth interview sessions conducted. The findings indicate that living separately places a significant emotional and financial burden on women, who often face increased stress, anxiety, and a lack of support. Children in these households are also adversely affected, exhibiting signs of emotional insecurity, behavioural issues, and reduced academic performance. Marital relationships are strained by distance, leading to weakened communication, trust issues, and disruptions in parenting roles. The study recommends the provision of counseling and psychosocial support services, economic empowerment programs for women, and communitydriven initiatives that promote healthy family relationships. These measures are crucial for addressing the negative impacts of residential separation and enhancing the resilience of families in similar socio-cultural settings.