ARTICLES
DOI DOI: 10.38140/ijspsy.v5i3.2216

Parenting practices and marital breakdown: A phenomenological study of divorce in Eswatini

Phumuzani Mpofu1, Lungile Goodness Mamba2, Simangele Mayisela1
  1. 1 Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
  2. 2 Psychology and Counselling, Eswatini College of Theology, Ezulwini

Abstract

The rising divorce rates in Eswatini underscore the urgent need to investigate factors affecting family stability, particularly the influence of parenting practices on marital satisfaction. This study explores how early childhood experiences, shaped by parental styles, contribute to marital breakdown and identifies strategies for fostering healthier relationships. A qualitative approach within a transformative paradigm was employed, using a phenomenological design to capture participants’ lived experiences. Ten divorced individuals from urban and peri-urban areas of Manzini were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to reflect on their upbringing and marital experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes within the narratives. The study was informed by Freudian psychoanalytic theory, focusing on the phallic stage to understand how early relational experiences influence adult interpersonal dynamics. Results indicated that individuals raised with divergent or inconsistent parenting styles were more likely to experience marital discord and eventual divorce. Marital behaviors often mirrored patterns established in childhood, highlighting the intergenerational transmission of relational dynamics. Participants reported that unresolved childhood emotional experiences influenced communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy in their marriages. The study concludes that early parenting practices significantly shape adult relationships, underscoring the need for interventions that promote balanced, authoritative parenting. Implications include integrating discussions of childhood upbringing into premarital counseling, developing parenting education programs, and encouraging therapists to explore clients’ early family experiences when addressing marital challenges. These findings call for broader cultural reflection in Eswatini on generational relational patterns and challenge the notion that divorce arises solely from immediate marital conflicts. While acknowledging the limitations of individual agency and societal influences, the study affirms that nurturing emotionally secure childhoods is crucial for fostering stable, fulfilling adult relationships.

How to Cite

Mpofu, P., Mamba, L. G., & Mayisela, S. (2025). Parenting practices and marital breakdown: A phenomenological study of divorce in Eswatini. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 5(3), 117–124. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijspsy.v5i3.2216
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