JOURNAL OF CURRENT DISCOURSE AND RESEARCH (JCDR)

THE EFFECT OF LONELINESS AND FINANCIAL STABILITY ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: A STUDY ON COUPLES IN ADO-EKITI

Abstract

This study explored the influence of financial stability and loneliness on relationship satisfaction among couples’ partners in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. The study builds on an integrative theoretical framework grounded in attachment theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and stress and interdependence theories. Using the descriptive survey design, a total of 150 married and cohabiting couples were sampled using a structured questionnaire adapted from established psychometric scales, including the Financial Management Behaviour Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Couples Satisfaction Index. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between financial stability and relationship satisfaction (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), while loneliness was negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction (r = −0.58, p < 0.05) and financial stability (r = −0.41, p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that age (t = 2.46, p < 0.05) and marital status (t = 3.83, p < 0.05) significantly predicted relationship satisfaction, whereas religion was not a significant predictor (t = 0.25, p > 0.05). Financial stability emerged as a strong predictor of relationship satisfaction (β = 0.62, t = 9.55, p < 0.05). Couples who experienced both high levels of loneliness and low levels of financial stability reported the lowest levels of relationship satisfaction, which confirms the compounding effect of emotional and economic stressors. The study thereby concludes that socio­economic and emotional factors interact with each other to influence the quality of romantic relationships and that joint interventions are required to improve relationship stability and well-being.