Perceptions and Experiences of Christian Premarital Counselling in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Majority of premarital counselling in Ghana are conducted in religious settings. Some studies examined the content and benefits of Ghanaian Christian premarital counselling from the perspective of providers. However, the experience of counsellees, as well as how they perceive their premarital counselling to be helpful has not been explored. This study examined the experiences of counsellees, and explored their perception, helpfulness and relationship related benefits of premarital counselling. It explored how premarital counselling informed help-seeking in marriage and connections with the odds of divorce. Using a qualitative research approach, 40 individuals (including yet-to-marry, newlywed, married for 4-9 years and married over 10) in Orthodox, Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Findings revealed process-related and content related benefits. Participants also highlighted areas for improvement for premarital counselling and expressed a desire for in-marriage counselling. The study highlights the need for religious institutions to undertake in-marriage counselling to augment the benefits given by premarital counselling.