UPAYA KOMUNIKASI IBU UNTUK PEMULIHAN HUBUNGAN PASCA KONFLIK (Studi Kasus pada Hubungan Ibu dan Anak yang Berkonflik karena Perceraian)

Divorce does not only affect changes in family structure, but also influences the relationship between mothers and children. Conflicts that arise before and after divorce often create emotional distance and communication disruptions within the family. Children are in emotionally vulnerable conditions, while mothers are required to carry dual roles in parenting. These conditions indicate complex relational dynamics, making it necessary to examine the efforts to restore mother-child relationships after conflict caused by divorce through the perspective of communication strategies.

This study uses the relationship maintenance and repair strategies theory proposed by Canary and Yum as the analytical framework. The theory explains that interpersonal relationships can be restored through several communication strategies, such as positivity, openness, assurances, sharing tasks, and social networks. This theoretical framework is used to understand how mothers apply communication strategies in efforts to restore relationships with their children after divorce (Canary & Yum, 2016).

This study employs a constructivist paradigm with a qualitative approach. The type of research used is descriptive with a case study method. Data collection techniques were conducted through in-depth interviews and observation. Data analysis was carried out through the stages of data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The validity of the data was tested using source triangulation techniques.

The results show that the recovery of mother-child relationships after divorce is carried out through five communication strategies: positivity, openness, assurances, sharing tasks, and social networks. These strategies are implemented gradually and adjusted to the child’s emotional condition. The findings indicate that the recovery of mother-child relationships is a process full of adjustments and is influenced by the mother’s role as well as support from the surrounding environment.