Think India Journal

Rethinking Family: Cultural Perspectives on Childlessness and the Married Couple Experience

Mina Margaret Ogbanga — 2024-08-19

The study examined the cultural perceptions of childlessness towards married couples in the society. One objective and one research question were raised for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A population of 160,301women in 65communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was used. A sample of 100womenfrom 5 communities was used and this was done via multi-stage sampling technique of Random sampling technique and Proportionate sampling technique. The questionnaire titled “Socio-cultural Impact of Childlessness on Married Couples Questionnaire (SICMCQ)” was used as instrument to collect relevant data. The instrument was validated by some experts and its reliability was tested for to be 0.75. The data collected, were analyzed using frequency, mean and percentage for the research questions and Chi-square was used to test for the hypotheses. The findings from the study showed that the mean responses of the women on the cultural perceptions of childlessness towards married couples in the society. From the analysis done, all the items with respective mean scores of 3.28, 3.04, 3.08 and 3.05 were accepted because their mean scores are above the criterion-mean score of 2.5. Based on the grand mean score obtained at 3.11, it can therefore be deduced that there is a high level of negative cultural perception attributed to childlessness of married couples in the society.

Embracing alternative paths:Strateguc recommendations for Childless couples in Rural Communities

Mina Margaret Ogbanga — 2024-08-19

The study examined the strategic recommendations to couples faced with the issue of childlessness in the society. One objective and one research question were raised for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A population of 160,301women in 65communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was used. A sample of 100womenfrom 5 communities was used and this was done via multi-stage sampling technique of Random sampling technique and Proportionate sampling technique. The questionnaire titled “Socio-cultural Impact of Childlessness on Married Couples Questionnaire (SICMCQ)” was used as instrument to collect relevant data. The instrument was validated by some experts and its reliability was tested for to be 0.75. The data collected, were analyzed using frequency, mean and percentage for the research questions and Chi-square was used to test for the hypotheses. The findings from the study showed that data in the table above displayed the mean responses of the women on the strategic recommendations to couples faced with the issue of childlessness in the society. From the analysis done, all the items with respective mean scores of 3.4, 3.37, 3.41 and 3.45 were accepted because their mean scores are above the criterion-mean score of 2.5. Based on the grand mean score obtained at 3.41, it can therefore be deduced that strategies such as awareness creation, provision of needed facilities as well as policy formulation can be highly effective towards curbing the issues of childlessness among married couples. It was recommended among others that policies should be generated towards protecting the rights of couples in the society, regardless of what they might be facing.

Shaping Positive Environments: The Role of Interior Design in Enhancing Well-Being

Lalita Devi — 2024-10-05

This study examines the influence of interior design on fostering positive environments that promote emotional well-being and productivity. Focusing on key design elements such as light, colour, spatial layout, materials, and biophilic principles, the research explores how intentional design choices impact mood, behaviour, and psychological comfort. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study combines surveys, interviews with interior designers, and observational analysis of designed spaces. Data were collected from various environments, including residential, office, and public spaces, to assess user experiences and emotional responses to different design elements. Key findings reveal that natural light and biophilic design significantly improve mood and reduce stress, while colour choices directly influence emotional states—cool colours like blue and green promote calm, whereas bright colours like yellow evoke energy and happiness. Open and uncluttered spatial layouts were found to enhance feelings of freedom and relaxation. Materials such as wood and stone contributed to a sense of connection with nature, further enhancing well-being. The study highlights the transformative potential of interior design, suggesting that designers play a crucial role in creating spaces that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also support mental health. The findings offer practical insights for interior designers to create emotionally supportive environments that enrich the human experience.