ANALISIS PERAN PASTORAL KONSELING PADA KASUS PERNIKAHAN DINI: KETIDAKSIAPAN MENTAL DAN KONFLIK DINAMIKA RELASI PERAN PASANGAN MUDA

Abstract

Early marriage is still common in Indonesia and is usually undertaken without sufficient mental preparation and maturity to navigate married life. This study aims to examine how psychological unpreparedness, relationships between partners, and role allocation occur in early marriages using a family counseling perspective. The method used was a qualitative case study approach with two young couples in Tomohon and Manado. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations, then analyzed using an interactive model. The results showed that in the Tomohon case, the main problem was mental unpreparedness due to premarital pregnancy. This resulted in difficulty managing emotions, poor communication, and dependence on the family of origin. Meanwhile, in the Manado case, the problem was more apparent in relationship conflicts and an unequal division of roles, resulting in ineffective communication and unresolved conflicts. Analysis using a family counseling approach, specifically the theories of Murray Bowen and Erik Erikson, showed that low self-management skills, emotional dependence, and immature self-identity were the main causes of this conflict. This study confirms that family counseling plays a crucial role in helping young couples become more mentally prepared, improve communication, and build healthier and more balanced relationships in their marriage.