Exploring married girls’ subjective experiences of well-being and challenges

Abstract

Introduction: The well-being of married girls is often significantly affected by their early transitioning into the institution of marriage. This is accompanied by a normative shift in their focus from education and personal development to family life and motherhood. However, it is important we understand married girls’ perspectives of what their marriage mean to them and how that affects their well-being. Therefore, this study explored the subjective experiences of wellbeing and challenges among married girls in the Northern region of Ghana. Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to gather data through in-depth interviews. Twenty-one married girls between the ages of 12 and 19 years in Sagnarigu, Tolon and Mion districts of the Northern Region of Ghana were interviewed and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that girls who perceived their marriage as early reported negative emotions whereas those who perceived their marriage as timely reported positive emotions. Married girls’ positive experiences were characterised by child bearing, higher social status, received social support and satisfaction of needs in their marriage. Challenges identified included poor socio-economic status, inadequate parenting skills, pregnancy and childbirth related distresses. Conclusions: Married girls expressed more positive outcomes in their marriage than they did for negative outcomes despite their general perception of their marriage being early. Implications for interventions and policy decision making are discussed