Project – The Role of Honeymoon Quality in Early Marital Adjustment and Long-Term Marriage Stability: A Study of Couples Married within the Last Five Years in Selected Churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Marriage is one of the most significant institutions in human society because it provides a framework for companionship, emotional intimacy, family formation, mutual support and social continuity. Although the meaning and organization of marriage vary across cultures and societies, the institution generally involves an enduring relationship in which two individuals accept responsibilities toward one another. Within Christianity, marriage occupies an especially important position because it is understood as a covenantal relationship founded on love, fidelity, mutual commitment and responsibility before God. The biblical account of marriage emphasizes companionship and unity, presenting the husband and wife as becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Similarly, the New Testament emphasizes sacrificial love, mutual responsibility and faithfulness within marriage (Ephesians 5:21–33). Consequently, the quality of marital relationships is important not only for individual couples but also for the wellbeing of families, children, churches and society.

The transition into marriage is a particularly important period in the development of a marital relationship. Couples who have previously related primarily as dating partners or fiancés begin to establish a shared household and experience the practical realities of living together. Marriage requires spouses to negotiate responsibilities involving finances, domestic duties, sexuality, communication, employment, religion, extended family, social relationships and future plans. These responsibilities may be different from the expectations formed during courtship. As a result, the early months and years of marriage constitute an important period of adjustment in which couples begin to translate romantic expectations and commitment into everyday marital practices.

One of the most recognized experiences associated with the beginning of marriage is the honeymoon. Traditionally, the honeymoon refers to the period immediately following the wedding when newly married couples spend time together away from ordinary responsibilities. It may involve travel, recreation, romantic activities, sexual intimacy, celebration and emotional closeness. However, from a relationship perspective, honeymoon quality can be understood more broadly as the degree to which the early marital period is characterized by affection, companionship, emotional intimacy, communication, sexual satisfaction, enjoyment, mutual attention and positive expectations about married life. Thus, honeymoon quality is not limited to whether a couple travelled to an expensive destination after the wedding. A couple who remained at home may still have experienced a high-quality honeymoon if the period was characterized by emotional closeness, affection, companionship and positive adjustment.

The importance of the honeymoon period has generated scholarly interest because newlywed relationships often begin with relatively high levels of marital satisfaction. However, the idea that all marriages necessarily experience a rapid decline immediately after the honeymoon has been challenged by longitudinal research. Lorber, Eckardt, Heyman and O’Leary (2015), in a longitudinal study of 395 community couples followed from one month before marriage through approximately two and a half years after marriage, found that most couples began marriage with high marital satisfaction. For many women, satisfaction declined gradually, while many men showed relatively stable satisfaction. Only smaller groups demonstrated rapid declines or consistently low levels of satisfaction. The researchers also found that intimate partner violence and depression were among the factors associated with less favourable marital trajectories.

This finding is important for the present study because it suggests that the honeymoon should not be conceptualized as a universally short-lived period of happiness followed automatically by marital dissatisfaction. Instead, couples differ considerably in how their marital satisfaction develops. Williamson and Lavner (2020), studying 431 ethnically diverse newlywed couples living in low-income communities, similarly found that most spouses maintained relatively high levels of marital satisfaction during the newlywed years, while substantial declines were concentrated among spouses who began marriage with lower levels of satisfaction. Their findings demonstrate that the development of marriage is heterogeneous and that early marital experiences may provide important clues about subsequent relationship outcomes.

The concept of honeymoon quality is therefore important because the early marital period may establish patterns of interaction that continue beyond the honeymoon. When newly married couples experience affection, emotional support, companionship and open communication, these experiences may contribute to a sense of security and mutual commitment. Such positive interactions can help couples develop relational resources for dealing with later challenges. Conversely, if the early period is characterized by unrealistic expectations, frequent conflict, emotional distance, financial disagreements or dissatisfaction, these experiences may create difficulties in the adjustment process.

Early marital adjustment refers to the process through which newly married couples adapt to one another and establish patterns for managing the responsibilities of married life. Adjustment may involve learning each other’s habits, expectations, communication styles and emotional needs. It may also involve negotiating decisions about household responsibilities, finances, sexual intimacy, childbearing, religion, careers and relationships with extended family members. Successful adjustment does not necessarily mean that couples experience no disagreements. Rather, it involves the ability of spouses to recognize differences, communicate about them and develop acceptable ways of managing them.

Marital satisfaction is an important dimension of early marital adjustment. It reflects the extent to which spouses perceive their marriage as happy, fulfilling, supportive and worthwhile. Research indicates that marital satisfaction and marital problems influence each other over time. Lavner, Karney, Williamson and Bradbury (2017), for example, found bidirectional associations between newlyweds’ marital satisfaction and marital problems. Their findings indicate that marital problems may contribute to subsequent reductions in satisfaction, while lower satisfaction may also contribute to subsequent increases in marital problems. This suggests that marital adjustment is a dynamic process rather than a fixed condition established on the wedding day.

Long-term marriage stability, in this study, refers to the ability of a marriage to remain intact and function effectively as spouses face changing circumstances and challenges. Stability involves more than the absence of divorce. It may include commitment, satisfaction, emotional security, effective communication, constructive conflict management and willingness to continue investing in the relationship. Consequently, a stable marriage can still contain disagreements. What distinguishes stability is the couple’s capacity to manage difficulties without allowing them to permanently destroy the marital relationship.

The relationship between early marital experiences and long-term stability is also important because the transition from romantic courtship to everyday married life can expose differences that were previously less visible. During courtship, couples may spend limited periods together and may deliberately emphasize positive aspects of their personalities. Marriage creates substantially more opportunities for spouses to observe one another’s habits, weaknesses, financial behaviour, emotional responses and approaches to conflict. Consequently, the honeymoon period may represent the beginning of an important process in which expectations are compared with everyday marital realities.

Expectations are particularly important to early marital adjustment. Couples may enter marriage with assumptions concerning how their spouse should behave, how household responsibilities should be divided, how money should be managed, how frequently sexual intimacy should occur, how much time should be spent together, and how relationships with parents and relatives should be maintained. When these expectations are unrealistic or poorly communicated, disappointment may occur. When expectations are openly discussed and adjusted to reflect the realities of marriage, couples may be better positioned to adapt.

Communication is another important factor in early marital adjustment. Newly married couples must communicate about both ordinary and difficult matters. They must discuss finances, work, domestic responsibilities, sexual intimacy, children, religion, social activities and extended-family relationships. Effective communication allows spouses to express needs and expectations while listening to the perspective of the other partner. Poor communication can create misunderstanding and resentment, especially when disagreements are avoided rather than resolved.

Conflict is also an unavoidable part of marital life. The existence of conflict does not necessarily mean that a marriage is unstable. Rather, the manner in which couples manage disagreements can influence relationship quality. Couples who can discuss problems respectfully, negotiate differences and seek mutually acceptable solutions may be able to transform disagreements into opportunities for understanding. In contrast, persistent hostility, withdrawal, criticism and unresolved disagreements may weaken emotional connection over time.

Financial adjustment represents another major challenge for newly married couples. Before marriage, individuals may independently manage their income and expenses. Marriage often requires the development of shared financial decisions involving housing, food, transportation, savings, investments, healthcare, support for relatives and other household expenses. Financial expectations may differ considerably between spouses. These differences can become more visible after the honeymoon when couples return to their normal economic responsibilities.

Sexual and emotional intimacy are equally important. Marriage creates an environment in which spouses are expected to develop a satisfying intimate relationship. However, couples may differ in their expectations concerning affection, sexual frequency, privacy, fertility and reproductive decisions. Effective communication and mutual respect are therefore necessary for healthy sexual adjustment. Difficulties in this area may affect emotional closeness and overall marital satisfaction.

The family environment in which couples live can further influence early marital adjustment. In Nigeria, marriage is frequently connected to wider networks of parents, siblings, relatives and community members. Newly married couples may therefore experience expectations concerning family visits, financial assistance, childbearing, religious activities, residence and decision-making. While supportive family relationships can strengthen marriage, excessive interference or competing expectations may generate tension between spouses.

The Nigerian context is particularly relevant to the study of marital stability. Animasahun and Fatile (2011) investigated patterns of marital instability among married couples in Lagos and emphasized the implications of marital instability for marriage counselling. Their study provides evidence that marital instability is an important issue within the Nigerian urban context. Although Lagos differs from Abuja, the study demonstrates the relevance of examining marital stability within Nigerian urban environments rather than relying exclusively on evidence from Western societies.

Research on Nigerian marriage also suggests that marital satisfaction is influenced by several interconnected factors. Ogungbola and Akomolafe (2019), in a study of 120 married couples in Nigeria, examined factors associated with marital satisfaction and found that partner-related problems, personal problems and family ties were important dimensions of the marital experience. Their findings indicate that marital satisfaction in Nigeria cannot be explained solely by romantic feelings but is influenced by interpersonal and family circumstances.

Christian marriage provides another important dimension to the present study. Christian couples may understand marriage as a covenant before God and may therefore attach spiritual significance to commitment, fidelity, forgiveness, love and mutual service. Nevertheless, Christian identity does not eliminate ordinary relational difficulties. Christian couples may still experience financial disagreements, communication problems, sexual difficulties, conflicting expectations, family pressures and emotional dissatisfaction. Consequently, there is a need to examine how Christian couples translate religious beliefs and marital commitment into everyday relational practices.

Churches also have an important role in preparing couples for marriage. Premarital counselling and marriage education programmes commonly address issues such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, expectations, sexuality, family relationships and Christian responsibilities. Fawcett, Hawkins, Blanchard and Carroll (2010), in a meta-analysis of 47 studies, found that premarital education had mixed and modest effects on relationship quality but showed evidence of improving couple communication. Importantly, they noted that relatively few studies followed couples beyond the honeymoon period, leaving questions concerning longer-term outcomes.

Hawkins, Stanley, Blanchard and Albright (2012) further examined 148 evaluation reports on marriage and relationship education programmes and found that programme characteristics could influence effectiveness. Their work reinforces the importance of examining how relationship education is delivered and how couples apply the skills obtained through such programmes.

Within the Nigerian Christian context, Bawa (2018) examined premarital counselling for marriage stability among Alago Christians and found that both Christian and indigenous approaches to marriage preparation had limitations when operating independently. The study emphasized the importance of contextualizing marriage preparation within the cultural realities of couples. This is relevant because honeymoon experiences and early marital adjustment do not occur in isolation from culture. Couples bring family traditions, religious beliefs, gender expectations and social norms into their marriages.

The setting of Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory provides an important context for this investigation. Gwagwalada is a rapidly developing urban and semi-urban area containing people from different ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. Couples living within the area may experience different economic conditions, employment patterns, family expectations and church environments. Such diversity makes it inappropriate to assume that all Christian couples experience marriage in the same way.

The focus on couples married within the last five years is also significant. The first five years of marriage constitute an important period during which couples move beyond the wedding and honeymoon and establish relatively enduring patterns of communication, financial management, intimacy, conflict resolution and household responsibility. Studying couples within this period provides an opportunity to examine whether positive honeymoon experiences continue to be reflected in early marital adjustment and perceptions of long-term stability.

The concept of long-term stability must nevertheless be treated cautiously. A couple who has remained married for five years cannot automatically be described as having a stable marriage in the broader sense. Conversely, a couple experiencing conflict is not necessarily headed toward divorce. Karney and Bradbury (2020) argue that contemporary research has challenged several conventional assumptions about marital satisfaction and stability, emphasizing that marital trajectories are more complex than previously assumed. Their review indicates that many couples maintain stable satisfaction over extended periods, while relationship processes can vary considerably according to socioeconomic and contextual circumstances.

The present study therefore does not assume that a pleasant honeymoon necessarily guarantees a successful marriage or that an unsatisfactory honeymoon inevitably causes marital breakdown. Instead, it seeks to investigate whether the quality of honeymoon experiences is significantly associated with early marital adjustment and marriage stability among couples who have been married within the last five years.

This focus addresses a gap between popular assumptions about the honeymoon and empirical understanding of marriage. The honeymoon is frequently discussed as a romantic period, but comparatively less attention is paid to its potential relationship with the development of marital patterns after the couple returns to ordinary life. Furthermore, much of the established honeymoon research has been conducted outside Nigeria, while Nigerian research has more commonly focused on marital instability, premarital counselling, communication, family relationships and marital satisfaction.

There is therefore a need for a context-specific study that examines honeymoon quality among Christian couples within a Nigerian setting. Such a study may help determine whether early romantic and relational experiences have measurable associations with marital adjustment and perceived stability. It may also provide useful information for churches, pastors, marriage counsellors and family-life educators seeking to support couples not only before marriage but also during the first years of married life.

Against this background, the present study investigates the role of honeymoon quality in early marital adjustment and long-term marriage stability among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Marriage is commonly expected to provide companionship, emotional security, intimacy, family development and long-term support. Within Christianity, these expectations are reinforced by biblical teachings concerning love, faithfulness, commitment and mutual responsibility. Yet the existence of strong religious beliefs does not necessarily guarantee successful marital adjustment. Newly married couples may still experience communication difficulties, financial disagreements, sexual challenges, conflicting expectations, family interference and emotional dissatisfaction.

One of the concerns surrounding newly married couples is the difference between the romantic expectations associated with the honeymoon and the realities of everyday married life. The honeymoon is often portrayed as a period of exceptional happiness in which couples experience strong affection, intimacy and excitement. However, the ordinary demands of marriage begin immediately after this period. Couples must return to work, manage household finances, divide domestic responsibilities, interact with relatives and make decisions about their future. When the expectations developed during the honeymoon are significantly different from the realities of everyday life, adjustment may become difficult.

The problem is further complicated by the popular assumption that all marriages experience a predictable “honeymoon effect” in which happiness is initially high and then inevitably declines. Empirical evidence does not fully support such a simple explanation. Lorber et al. (2015) found that most newlywed couples maintained relatively high levels of satisfaction, although some groups experienced rapid declines. Williamson and Lavner (2020) similarly found that most spouses maintained high satisfaction during the newlywed years, with substantial declines concentrated among those who entered marriage with lower satisfaction. The problem, therefore, is not simply whether satisfaction declines after the honeymoon, but why couples experience different trajectories and whether the quality of their early marital experiences is associated with these differences.

A further problem is that honeymoon quality is frequently understood primarily in terms of travel, luxury, romance and recreation. This narrow understanding may overlook the relational dimensions of the honeymoon. A couple may travel to an expensive destination and still experience emotional distance or unresolved disagreements. Another couple may have limited financial resources and remain in their community but experience strong affection, companionship, communication and mutual support. Therefore, the quality of the honeymoon should be considered in terms of relational experiences rather than material expenditure alone.

Early marital adjustment also presents challenges. Newly married couples must learn how to live together and manage differences that may not have been fully visible during courtship. Differences in personality, habits, communication style, finances, sexual expectations, religious practices and family relationships can produce disagreements. Where couples have not developed effective strategies for dealing with these differences, the transition from honeymoon excitement to everyday responsibilities may result in frustration and dissatisfaction.

Communication is a particularly important concern. Couples may enter marriage with strong affection but inadequate communication skills. They may find it difficult to discuss sensitive issues involving money, sex, family responsibilities, children or personal expectations. When difficult issues are avoided, resentment may accumulate. Conversely, when couples communicate openly and respectfully, they may be better able to resolve disagreements and preserve emotional closeness.

Financial adjustment is another problem. The cost of housing, transportation, food, healthcare and other household needs can create pressure on newly married couples. In addition, spouses may have different attitudes toward saving, spending, financial support for relatives and individual financial independence. Such differences may become increasingly visible after the honeymoon. If they are not effectively negotiated, financial disagreements may undermine marital satisfaction.

Sexual adjustment may also influence the quality of early married life. Couples may enter marriage with different expectations regarding sexual intimacy, frequency, affection and reproduction. These differences can become a source of dissatisfaction when they are not openly discussed. The honeymoon may temporarily create an atmosphere of excitement that masks deeper differences, but such differences may become more obvious when normal routines are established.

Another concern is the influence of extended families. In Nigerian society, marriage often creates relationships involving parents and other relatives. Newly married couples may experience expectations concerning financial support, family visits, residence, childbearing and social obligations. Although family support can strengthen a marriage, excessive involvement or conflicting expectations can create tension between spouses.

The problem is also relevant to Christian churches. Many churches invest substantial effort in marriage ceremonies and premarital counselling. However, counselling often occurs before marriage, while less attention may be given to structured follow-up during the first few years of marriage. Bawa (2018) demonstrates the importance of culturally appropriate premarital and pastoral counselling for marriage stability among Nigerian Christian communities. Yet preparation before marriage may not be sufficient if couples do not receive support when they begin to encounter the practical realities of married life.

The evidence concerning marriage education further demonstrates the need for continued attention to newlywed adjustment. Fawcett et al. (2010) found that premarital education programmes showed stronger evidence for improving communication than for producing large improvements in relationship satisfaction. They also noted that relatively few studies followed couples beyond the honeymoon stage. This creates an important research question: if communication and relationship skills can be developed before marriage, how do these skills and the quality of early marital experiences relate to adjustment after the honeymoon?

The Nigerian literature also demonstrates the relevance of marital instability. Animasahun and Fatile (2011), in their study of married couples in Lagos, examined patterns of marital instability and highlighted the importance of marriage counselling. However, studies of this nature generally focus on marital instability after problems have emerged rather than examining the quality of the honeymoon as an early relational experience that may be associated with later adjustment.

There is therefore a gap in knowledge concerning the relationship between honeymoon quality and marital stability among newly married Christian couples in the Nigerian context. Existing research provides valuable evidence on marital satisfaction trajectories, premarital education and marital instability, but limited attention has been given specifically to the quality of honeymoon experiences and their relationship with adjustment among couples married within the first five years.

The problem becomes particularly important in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where couples from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and denominational backgrounds establish families. The experiences of such couples may differ from those of couples in other Nigerian communities. There is consequently a need for empirical evidence that reflects the local context rather than assuming that findings from Western newlywed samples automatically apply to Nigerian Christian couples.

Another problem is the lack of clarity about whether honeymoon quality has a meaningful relationship with marital stability after couples return to everyday life. A high-quality honeymoon may promote positive memories, emotional closeness and relationship satisfaction, but it is uncertain whether these benefits remain associated with stability when couples face financial pressures, domestic responsibilities, extended-family expectations and other challenges. Conversely, couples who experience a modest or financially constrained honeymoon may still develop stable marriages if they possess effective communication and adjustment skills.

The central problem of this study, therefore, is the insufficient empirical understanding of whether and how the quality of honeymoon experiences is related to early marital adjustment and longer-term marriage stability among newly married Christian couples in Gwagwalada. Without such evidence, churches and marriage counsellors may have limited basis for determining whether early-marriage support should pay specific attention to honeymoon experiences, expectations and the transition from romantic celebration to everyday marital responsibilities.

The study consequently seeks to investigate the role of honeymoon quality in early marital adjustment and long-term marriage stability among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja. It will examine the nature of honeymoon experiences, the level of early marital adjustment, indicators of marital stability and the relationship between honeymoon quality and marital stability.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of honeymoon quality in early marital adjustment and long-term marriage stability among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. examine the nature and quality of honeymoon experiences among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada;
2. determine the level of early marital adjustment among the selected couples;
3. examine the relationship between honeymoon quality and communication among newly married couples;
4. determine the relationship between honeymoon quality and emotional and sexual intimacy among newly married couples

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What is the nature and quality of honeymoon experiences among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada?
2. What is the level of early marital adjustment among the selected couples?
3. What relationship exists between honeymoon quality and communication among newly married couples?
4. What relationship exists between honeymoon quality and emotional and sexual intimacy among newly married couples?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between honeymoon quality and marriage stability among couples married within the last five years in selected churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be significant to newly married couples because it will help them understand the importance of the early years of marriage. The findings may demonstrate that the honeymoon is not merely a period of recreation but can be viewed as part of the broader transition into married life. Couples may become more conscious of the importance of communication, emotional intimacy, realistic expectations and mutual adjustment.

The study will also benefit intending couples. By identifying the relationship between honeymoon quality and early marital adjustment, the findings may encourage couples to develop realistic expectations about marriage before the wedding. It may also encourage them to discuss important issues such as finances, sexual expectations, family relationships, domestic responsibilities and communication.

Pastors and Christian marriage counsellors will benefit from the study because the findings may provide useful information for strengthening premarital counselling and newlywed support programmes. Rather than concentrating solely on wedding preparation, churches may use the findings to develop structured follow-up programmes during the first years of marriage.

The study will be useful to Christian churches in Gwagwalada and the wider Abuja area. Churches may use the findings to evaluate the effectiveness of their marriage ministries and develop programmes addressing communication, conflict resolution, financial management, intimacy, family boundaries and adjustment after the wedding.

Professional marriage and family counsellors may also benefit from the study. The findings may help them understand the experiences of newly married Christian couples and identify areas requiring early intervention before marital difficulties become severe.

The study will contribute to academic knowledge by examining honeymoon quality as a specific relational variable associated with early marital adjustment and marriage stability. It will extend existing literature that has largely concentrated on marital satisfaction trajectories, premarital education and marital instability.

Finally, the study may provide useful information for future researchers interested in Christian marriage, honeymoon experiences, newlywed adjustment, marital satisfaction, marital stability, premarital counselling and family relationships in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is geographically limited to selected churches in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The population of the study will comprise Christian couples who have been married for not more than five years and are members of the selected churches.

The study will focus on honeymoon quality in terms of:

• romance and affection;
• companionship;
• emotional intimacy;
• communication;
• shared activities;
• sexual satisfaction and adjustment;
• positive expectations; and
• overall satisfaction with the early marital experience.

Early marital adjustment will be examined in relation to communication, emotional adaptation, household responsibilities, financial adjustment, intimacy, conflict management and mutual understanding.

Marriage stability will be examined through indicators such as marital satisfaction, commitment, emotional security, ability to resolve disagreements, willingness to remain married and perceived continuity of the relationship.

The study will not attempt to investigate every possible determinant of marital instability. Factors such as domestic violence, severe mental illness, infidelity and divorce may be acknowledged where relevant but will not constitute the central focus of the research.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

One anticipated limitation of the study is the sensitivity of marital information. Some respondents may be unwilling to disclose private information concerning sexual intimacy, financial disagreements, emotional dissatisfaction or marital conflicts. To reduce this limitation, respondents will be assured that their responses will be treated confidentially and used solely for academic purposes.

Another limitation is social desirability bias. Because the respondents are Christian couples, some may feel pressure to present their marriages positively in accordance with religious expectations. This may result in respondents reporting more favourable marital experiences than they actually experience.

The study may also be affected by recall bias. Some respondents may have been married for several years and may therefore find it difficult to remember precisely how they experienced the honeymoon period. The researcher will minimize this problem by clearly defining the period and using structured questions that focus on specific aspects of the experience.

Differences among churches may constitute another limitation. Christian denominations and individual churches may vary in their marriage teachings, counselling practices and expectations concerning married life. Consequently, findings from selected churches in Gwagwalada may not be generalized to all Christian couples in Abuja or Nigeria.

Time and financial constraints may also limit the number of churches and respondents that can be covered. Despite these limitations, appropriate sampling, questionnaire administration and statistical procedures will be employed to improve the credibility of the findings.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Early Marital Adjustment: The process through which newly married spouses adapt to each other’s personalities, expectations, habits, responsibilities and needs during the initial years of marriage.

Emotional Intimacy: The degree to which spouses are able to share feelings, concerns, personal experiences and emotional needs with each other in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance.

Honeymoon: The period immediately following marriage that is commonly characterized by romance, companionship, intimacy, celebration and adjustment to married life.

Honeymoon Quality: The overall quality of the newly married couple’s early marital experience, including romance, affection, companionship, communication, emotional closeness, sexual intimacy, shared activities and satisfaction.

Long-Term Marriage Stability: The ability of a marital relationship to remain intact, committed and functional as spouses encounter changing responsibilities and challenges over time. In this study, it refers to stability within the first five years of marriage and perceptions concerning continued marital commitment.

Marital Adjustment: The process through which husband and wife adapt to one another and establish functional patterns for communication, decision-making, intimacy, financial management, household responsibilities and conflict resolution.

Marital Satisfaction: The degree to which spouses perceive their marriage as happy, fulfilling, supportive and emotionally rewarding.

Marital Stability: The extent to which a marriage remains committed, functional and capable of managing disagreements and challenges without progressing toward separation or dissolution.

Newly Married Couples: Couples who have been legally or religiously married for not more than five years.

Romantic Satisfaction: The degree to which spouses experience affection, attraction, attention, companionship and romantic expression as satisfying within their marriage.

Sexual Adjustment: The process through which spouses develop mutual understanding and satisfaction concerning sexual intimacy, affection, reproductive expectations and related marital needs.

Christian Couples: Married partners who identify with the Christian faith and whose marriage is recognized within a Christian religious context.

Selected Churches: Christian churches purposively chosen from Gwagwalada Area Council for participation in the study.

Gwagwalada: An Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria and the geographical setting in which the selected churches and respondents for this study will be located.

Project – The Role of Honeymoon Quality in Early Marital Adjustment and Long-Term Marriage Stability: A Study of Couples Married within the Last Five Years in Selected Churches in Gwagwalada, Abuja