Pola Relasi Dan Konflik Interpersonal Antara Menantu Perempuan Dan Ibu Mertua

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this research is to portray the pattern of relationships between daughter in law and mother in law who live together within one house. The second goal of this research is aimed at finding the causes of conflicts between daughter and mother in law, their style of resolving the conflicts and the conditions that support their harmonious relationships. This qualitative research includes participation of two couples of daughter and mother in law. One couple acclaimed that their relationship was harmonious. Another couple stated that she had difficulties in developing harmonious relationship between them. Data collection was conducted by in-depth interview, and the result indicates that there are 3 important conditions to create harmonious relationships, which are: (a) unconditional respect, (b) congruency, and (c) empathetic understanding. The unconditional respect and acceptance facilitates easier harmonious relationships primarily in a situation where there is cultural gap. Congruency creates transparent relationships, secure feelings between the individuals and trust. Empathetic understanding tends to help a person to perceive things from different angle of perception. These three components of relationship supports productive conflict resolution. The relationship becomes more harmonious when the individuals have needs to support one another so that each individual feels that her needs are fulfilled. Considering the importance of three components, all of the these components must be developed and increased in the daughter and mother in law relationships.