KOMUNIKASI INTERPERSONAL ANTARA ORANG TUA DAN ANAK YANG MENGALAMI BROKEN HOME (STUDI KASUS MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH JEMBER)

Abstract

This study examines interpersonal communication between parents and children from broken home families, focusing on university students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember. Using a qualitative case study approach with symbolic interactionism theory by George Herbert Mead, this research aims to explore efforts to improve interpersonal communication, the process of symbolic interaction (mind, self, and society) in shaping communication meaning, and factors that support or hinder communication between parents and children in broken home families. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with five informants selected through purposive sampling. The findings reveal that children from broken home families develop their understanding and self-concept based on communication experiences with parents. Symbolic interactions—including the words, attitudes, and emotional responses of parents—are interpreted as symbols that shape children’s way of thinking and self-perception. Supporting factors include emotional openness, empathy, parental consistency, and a supportive social environment, while inhibiting factors include emotional wounds, poor communication patterns, and social stigma. This study concludes that open, empathetic, and consistent interpersonal communication remains crucial in maintaining parent-child relationships even in non-intact family conditions.