Factors contributing to divorce among young couples at Lebowakgomo, Capricorn District- Limpopo Province

Abstract

The overall aim of this study is to explore factors that contribute towards divorce among young couples in the Lebowakgomo area of Limpopo Province. The objectives of this study were to identify factors contributing towards divorce among young couples in Lebowakgomo, and to establish whether the causes of divorce among young couples in Lebowakgomo are the same as those identified in the literature. The research used the qualitative method in the study and the exploratory research design to investigate the factors contributing to divorce among young couples at Lebowakgomo Township. The target group was divorced young adults up to the age of 35 years who had been married for the period of not more than ten years. The researcher used snowball sampling because he knew someone who met the criteria for inclusion in this study. The sample size was based on the principle of saturation which suggests that data collection stops when there is no new theme emerging. The researcher reached a point of saturation at participant six. The researcher used the semi-structured interview to collect data. This allowed the researcher to elicit information about the respondents’ thoughts, feelings and perceptions as open-ended questions were used. The researcher used Interpretative Phenomenological Data Analysis (IPA) which allowed the researcher to explore in detail how the participants made sense of their personal and social world. This study found that sudden character change, lack of and poor communication, financial problems, abuse and infidelity are associated with divorce among young couples. It also emerged in the study that mastering all the stages of family life cycle can reduce the chances of divorce among young couples. This can be achieved by ensuring that young couples receive pre-marital counselling before they enter into marriage. In addition, after entering into marriage young couples should attend marital enrichment programmes.