Interpersonal Communication Patterns: Widow And Widower Couples' Experiences In Resolving Household Conflicts In Indonesia Culture

Abstract

The married life of a widow and widower is more complex than that of a first marriage. Moreover, everyone brings different perspectives and previous marital experiences that are not well positioned and handled will cause problems in their current marriage. Therefore, this study aims to describe the communication patterns in widow and widower couples in resolving household conflicts. This research uses qualitative methods with descriptive data analysis techniques. The data collection technique of this research is interview. The results showed that two married couples who were widows and widowers had different communication patterns. The communication pattern that occurs in the first couple is a balance pattern, where one party can freely express opinions honestly and openly. The communication pattern used in the second couple's marriage relationship uses an unbalanced separation pattern, where one party dominates, controls the relationship and almost never asks for opinions. This makes the partner brave and allows him to win the decision. Therefore, it can be concluded that the interpersonal communication patterns of widow and widower couples who decide to marry are influenced by the personality factors of each party, previous marriage experience and trust factors in the partner.