Psychological, Social, and Religious Factors Influencing Divorce among Christian Couples in Sub-Saharan Africa

Divorce among Christian couples in Sub-Saharan Africa has become an increasing social, psychological, and religious concern despite the strong emphasis Christianity places on marital permanence and family stability. This study systematically reviewed the psychological, social, and religious factors influencing divorce among Christian couples in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review adopted a systematic review methodology guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Relevant studies published between 2020 and 2026 were retrieved from electronic databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online. The review focused on empirical and theoretical studies relating to Christian marriages, marital instability, family conflict, counseling, and divorce within Sub-Saharan African contexts. Findings from the review revealed that psychological factors such as poor communication, emotional dissatisfaction, unresolved conflicts, emotional abuse, depression, and infidelity significantly contribute to marital instability and divorce among Christian couples. Social factors including poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, family interference, child preference, urbanization, alcohol abuse, and social media influence were also identified as major contributors to marital breakdown. The review further established that religious factors such as inadequate premarital counseling, weak pastoral support systems, spiritual incompatibility, and rigid doctrinal interpretations influence marital stability among Christian couples. However, religiosity and shared spiritual commitment were found to strengthen emotional resilience and marital commitment among some couples. The study concludes that divorce among Christian couples in Sub-Saharan Africa is influenced by multidimensional and interconnected factors requiring holistic interventions involving churches, counselors, families, and policymakers. The study recommends strengthening premarital counseling, pastoral care systems, socio-economic support programs, and family-centered interventions to promote healthier and more stable Christian marriages within African societies.