Family Communication as a Moderator of Children’s Psychological Resilience in Polygamous Families: An Islamic Perspective and Research Agenda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52690/jswse.v7i3.1552Keywords:
Children’s Psychological Resilience, Family Communication Patterns, Islamic Family Communication, Polygamous Family Dynamics, Religious Court CasesAbstract
Children in polygamous families face unique psychosocial challenges, yet protective factors such as family communication remain underexplored. This study examined the role of family communication in shaping children’s psychological resilience within polygamous families in Indonesia, using insights from religious court cases. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Participants included 12 polygamous families (N=48 individuals: 12 fathers, 24 mothers/co-wives, 12 children aged 10–18 years) identified through records of the Palembang Religious Court Class IA. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) was adapted for child resilience assessment. Data were analyzed using Miles & Huberman’s interactive model. Three communication patterns emerged: open-egalitarian (33% of families), conflict-avoidant (50%), and secretive-hierarchical (17%). Children in open-egalitarian families demonstrated significantly higher resilience indicators (emotional regulation, social adaptability, positive self-concept) compared to those in secretive-hierarchical families, who exhibited social withdrawal, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Islamic communication principles (qawl sadīd, qawl layyin) were practiced only in open-egalitarian families. Open, fair, and emotionally supportive family communication may buffer the negative psychological effects of polygamous family structures on children. Religious courts should consider communication assessments in polygamy approvals. Future research should include larger samples and longitudinal designs.
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