Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate causes of family instability,
challenges to family stability and strategies that could improve family stability
in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Three research
questions were answered. Questionnaire was used for data collection. A
random sample of 100 families was selected for the study. Data were analysed
using mean and standard deviation. The results of the study show 14 causes of
family instability including: polygamy, parent’s literacy level, drug abuse and
unemployment. There are 10 challenges and 12 strategies for improving family
stability include: dealing with the root causes of the challenges, encourage
good parent/child relationship, acquire useful skills to enhance economic
wellbeing and consult religious leaders for counselling. The study
recommended that family counsellors, government and other concerned
agencies should regularly develop programmes aimed at sensitizing parents,
children and family members and the society on how to reduce family
instability issues.