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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 9
Publication Date: September 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/assrj.119.17410.
Siahaan, L. I., & Wulan, R. R. (2024). The Influence of Interpersonal Communication on Relational Commitment in Young Married
Couples in Indonesia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(9). 111-121.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
The Influence of Interpersonal Communication on Relational
Commitment in Young Married Couples in Indonesia
Lydia Irene Siahaan
Faculty of Communication Sciences, Telkom University,
Jln Telekomunikasi No. 1, Bandung Regency
Roro Retno Wulan
ORCID: 0000-0001-6827-0144
Faculty of Communication Sciences, Telkom University,
Jln Telekomunikasi No. 1, Bandung Regency
ABSTRACT
This study explores the impact of interpersonal communication on relational
commitment among young married couples in Indonesia, employing Structural
Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between key variables.
Specifically, the research investigates how openness, empathy, support, and
positive attitudes influence several critical relational outcomes, namely
acquiescence, cooperation, functional conflict, and decision-making uncertainty.
The study's findings reveal significant connections between the communication
variables and various aspects of relational commitment. Openness and empathy
emerged as particularly influential, suggesting that these dimensions of
communication play crucial roles in fostering relational stability and satisfaction.
Openness, characterized by transparent and honest interactions, was found to
enhance acquiescence, cooperation, and reduce decision-making uncertainty and
functional conflict. Similarly, empathy, involving the ability to understand and
share the feelings of one’s partner, significantly impacted acquiescence and
cooperation, though its effect on other relational outcomes was less pronounced. In
contrast, support and positive attitudes showed varying degrees of influence across
different relational aspects, highlighting their specific but nuanced roles in shaping
marital dynamics. These results underscore the importance of tailored
communication strategies in strengthening marital relationships. The study
provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners focused on
improving marital satisfaction among young couples. By emphasizing the role of
effective communication, the research contributes to the development of
interventions aimed at enhancing relational commitment and overall marital
stability.
Keywords: Interpersonal communication, relational commitment, young couples,
marriage.
INTRODUCTION
In Indonesia, early marriage has become increasingly common, with a significant number of
individuals choosing to marry between the ages of 20 and 25. This demographic trend,
influenced by cultural norms and socio-economic factors, has brought to the forefront the need
to understand the dynamics that contribute to marital success and stability among young
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 9, September-2024
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
couples. Early marriage often coincides with a period of personal and professional
development, where individuals are still shaping their identities and life goals. As such, these
marriages can face unique challenges, including economic pressures, evolving personal
ambitions, and the complexities of balancing individual and marital roles.
One of the critical factors influencing the success of these early marriages is interpersonal
communication. Communication serves as the foundation upon which relationships are built
and maintained. In the context of marriage, particularly among young couples, effective
communication is vital for navigating the myriad of challenges that arise during the early years
of matrimony. This period often involves adjusting to new roles, managing expectations, and
resolving conflicts that can test the strength of the relationship.
Interpersonal communication encompasses various behaviors, including openness, empathy,
support, and positive attitudes, all of which are essential for fostering relational commitment.
Openness allows couples to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, promoting
transparency and trust. Empathy helps partners understand and validate each other's
emotions, fostering emotional intimacy. Support provides the reassurance and encouragement
needed to face life’s challenges together, while a positive attitude helps maintain a constructive
approach to conflict and decision-making.
Given the importance of these communication behaviors, understanding their impact on
relational commitment in young marriages is crucial. By examining these dynamics, this study
aims to provide insights that can inform interventions and support programs designed to
enhance marital stability among young couples in Indonesia, ultimately contributing to the
well-being of families and communities.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
This study aims to explore the influence of various communication behaviors—namely
openness, empathy, support, and positive attitudes—on different aspects of relational
commitment, such as acquiescence, cooperation, functional conflict, and decision-making
uncertainty. By understanding these relationships, the study seeks to offer practical
recommendations for young couples and contribute to the broader field of marital relationship
research.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Interpersonal Communication in Marriage
Interpersonal communication is the process through which couples share information, feelings,
and meanings through verbal and non-verbal messages. It is a key determinant of relational
satisfaction and commitment in marriage (Gottman, 1994). Research indicates that
communication behaviors like openness and empathy are particularly influential in shaping
marital outcomes (Noller, 2006).
Interpersonal communication is communication that occurs between two individuals who have
a strong and clear relationship. In this type of communication, there is an exchange of ideas and
feelings, as well as the formation of agreements or understandings to achieve desired goals.
These goals are expected to influence changes in thinking and behavior patterns towards more
beneficial outcomes in the future. Agreements in interpersonal communication involve face-to-
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Siahaan, L. I., & Wulan, R. R. (2024). The Influence of Interpersonal Communication on Relational Commitment in Young Married Couples in
Indonesia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(9). 111-121.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.119.17410
face meetings between two or more people with the aim of reaching an agreement that will help
achieve shared objectives (Devito, 1997). The communication that takes place is a part of
interpersonal communication, where direct face-to-face contact occurs, involving both verbal
and nonverbal expressions. In the context of effective and interactive communication, the role
of partners is crucial in achieving the established goals and avoiding conflicts and uncertainties
in reaching those goals. According to Devito (in Liliweri, 1991), there are several characteristics
of effective interpersonal communication, which are:
Openness:
Openness refers to the willingness to respond well to information in the context of
interpersonal relationships. Openness relates to three aspects of interpersonal communication.
First, an effective interpersonal communicator must be willing to be open with their
conversation partner, but this does not mean revealing all personal aspects immediately.
Rather, it is important to be willing to disclose relevant information appropriately and
reasonably. The second aspect is a honest response to what is communicated by the
conversation partner. Silence, lack of criticism, or unresponsiveness can make communication
boring. To demonstrate openness, the communicator can respond spontaneously. The third
aspect is the ownership of feelings and thoughts, where the communicator acknowledges that
what they express is their responsibility.
Empathy:
Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling from their own perspective.
This is different from sympathy, which merely means feeling something for another person. An
empathetic person is able to understand the motivations, experiences, feelings, attitudes,
hopes, and desires of others, and can effectively communicate this empathy through both words
and nonverbal actions.
Supportiveness:
Supportiveness creates an environment that fosters effective communication in interpersonal
relationships. In effective interpersonal relationships, there is a supportive attitude that is
descriptive and spontaneous, rather than evaluative and strategic.
Positiveness:
Positiveness involves having a positive feeling towards oneself and others. This encourages
active participation and creates a communication situation that is conducive to effective
interaction.
THE ROLE OF OPENNESS
Openness involves the willingness to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with one's
partner. It is positively correlated with relationship satisfaction and commitment (Sprecher &
Felmlee, 1992). The present study examines how openness influences acquiescence,
cooperation, functional conflict, and decision-making uncertainty in young marriages.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is crucial for fostering
emotional intimacy in marriage. High levels of empathy have been associated with greater