The Fatherless Phenomenon: Building Self-Concept With Interpersonal Communication

This study is motivated by Indonesia's ranking as the third most fatherless country in the world according to data from Narasi. The absence of a father in a child's life can shape their self-concept, particularly in girls, and interpersonal communication plays a crucial role in the process of social adjustment. This study aims to investigate how interpersonal communication between fathers and daughters occurs, to understand the self-concept of girls experiencing fatherlessness, and to identify the factors of interpersonal communication in shaping the self-concept of girls experiencing fatherlessness. The research method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, employing observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the self-concept of girls in fatherless conditions can be shaped by effective patterns of interpersonal communication. Daughters who lack effective interpersonal communication with their fathers tend to have negative selfconcepts, but this can be minimized through adequate social support, such as daughters who receive support from family, friends, or an environment that can help develop a more optimal self-concept, even if the father's role is not fully fulfilled.