Effects of Stress Inoculation Training and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Enhancing Conjugal Bliss of Women with Childhood Trauma in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, reports have linked past trauma with low levels of conjugal bliss in women. Previous studies on conjugal bliss focused more on family and environmental factors than on interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Stress Inoculation Training (SIT). This study, using a quasi-experimental design, therefore, was designed to determine the effects of CBT and SIT on the conjugal bliss of women with past trauma in Lagos State, Nigeria, while also examining the moderating effect of partner support. The research was conducted using the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model of Marriage Theory. The study employed a four-stage sampling technique, selecting two local government areas (LGAs), Agege and Ajeromi Ifelodun, based on the availability of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). PHCs were purposively selected based on the number of eligible women and the conduciveness of the locations for intervention. A screening test was administered to 205 married women in the selected LGAs using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF/MEQ) to identify those with past trauma. Respondents who scored 50.0% and above were included in the study, resulting in a final sample of 81 married women (married for 1–10 years) receiving medical services at the PHCs. Participants were randomly assigned to either the CBT or SIT intervention groups. Findings revealed that both CBT and SIT significantly improved conjugal bliss among women with past trauma, with SIT demonstrating the highest levels of improvement. Additionally, partner support played a crucial role in enhancing conjugal bliss. The study suggests that marriage and family health practitioners, as well as women's affairs bodies, should incorporate these therapeutic interventions to improve conjugal well-being among women with past trauma.

Keywords: Married women with past trauma, Cognitive behaviour therapy, Stress inoculation training, Conjugal bliss