Exploration of Hurtful Events Among Ghanaian Couples

Abstract

We explored hurtful events Ghanaian couples encounter and evaluated the uniqueness of gender and age differences among 102 couples aged 24 to 73. A prompt questionnaire recorded hurtful events in the couples relationships, and the data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results revealed ten types of hurtful events: (1) active disassociation; (2) passive dis association; (3) infidelity; (4) disrespect; (5) violence; (6) humili ation; (7) criticism; (8) deception; (9) neglect of duty; and (10) insecurity. Gender differences in hurtful events showed that men often engaged in disassociation, infidelity, deception, and criticism, while women were associated with disrespect, insecu rity, neglect of duty, and humiliation. Younger adults (20 35 years) experienced disrespect and infidelity, middle-aged adults (36–50 years) faced disassociation and violence, while older adults (51–80 years) reported disassociation, disrespect, and occasional humiliation. Couples with significant age gaps (more than five years) faced challenges like disassociation, dis respect, infidelity, and violence, stemming from different life stages and expectations. This study enhances understanding of hurtful events in Ghanaian marriages, emphasizing gender and age differences, while offering clinical insights to enhance com munication and manage hurts.