Pentingnya Komunikasi Terbuka dalam Menangani Tantangan Psikologis Perempuan Dewasa Belum Menikah dalam Keluarga Sandwich Generations

Abstract

Adult women who are old enough but have not yet married in their families or communities in Indonesia are often the targets of stigma. There are many factors that cause women not to marry, such as being the backbone of the family (sandwich generation), focusing on work and career, continuing their education, trauma either from their partner or from past family experiences, and not having found the right partner. This research aims to explore the psychological dynamics of unmarried adult women in sandwich generation families. The research uses qualitative methods with descriptive phenomenological analysis to understand the psychological dynamics of unmarried adult women in sandwich generation families. The data collection method involves interview techniques for in-depth exploration and comprehensive observation of the phenomenon that is the object of research. Data sources in this research consist of primary data sources and secondary data sources. The psychological dynamics of unmarried adult women in sandwich generation families consists of three main loci, namely cognition, affection and conation, which include multiple roles, pressure and social expectations towards them. An important theme that emerged from this research was the importance of open communication in helping adult women find a balance between their roles, dealing with internal conflicts, and communicating their needs and expectations clearly to their families. Open communication allows women to gain emotional support, create mutual understanding, and develop joint strategies for managing existing stress. Thus, this research highlights the importance of open communication as the main foundation in overcoming the psychological dynamics of unmarried adult women in sandwich generation families in Indonesia.

Keywords: Open Communication, Adult Women, Family, Sandwich generation