PERCEIVED IMPACT OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL LIFE OF THE GIRL-CHILD: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN GRONG VILLAGE, PANKSHIN, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Early marriage is a pervasive issue in many parts of Nigeria, including Grong Village in Plateau State, where cultural traditions and economic difficulties contribute to its persistence, significantly impacting girls' education, health, and psychosocial well-being. This study examines the perceived impact of early marriage on the psycho-social life of the girl-child: a study of women in Grong village, Pankshin, Plateau state. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a sample of 200 women randomly selected from three village clusters. Data were analysed using independent sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that women in Grong Village perceived early marriage as having a negative significant impact on girls' education, career opportunities, and overall psychosocial well-being. Disruption of education, low educational attainment, and limited career opportunities were identified as major concerns. No significant differences were found in perceptions based on age or village cluster. Based on the findings, it was recommended to promote girls' education, economic empowerment programmes for girls and their families, community-based interventions to raise awareness about the negative impacts of early marriage need to be carried out.