The impact of marital conflict on the couple's mental health

The present work is a contribution to the study of marital conflicts in northern Benin. It involved a study of 200 individuals surveyed in the commune of Parakou. The frequency of marital conflicts was: 2.5% for occasional conflicts; 26.5% for regular conflicts and 1% for daily conflicts. Marital conflicts were more common among women (54%) than men (46%). These conflicts had multiple origins: 44% of individuals had marital conflicts; the most frequently encountered causes were child-related issues, financial management, everyday life and telephone use. The repercussions of these conflicts on mental health were anxiety disorders, followed by depressive disorders, sexual disorders and finally alcohol abuse and dependence. Solutions included dialogue, followed by help from parents, friends and prayer. Crises within couples are on the increase, and deserve to be dealt with within family mediation structures to preserve the health of both parents and children.