The Process of Self-Acceptance among Juvenile Correctional Residents: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Authors

  • Austaniva Austaniva Proklamasi 45 University, Yogyakarta
  • Fx. Wahyu Widiantoro Proklamasi 45 University, Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30872/2qp7na32

Abstract

Adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system often experience psychological challenges related to shame, stigma, disrupted identity development, and uncertainty about their future, making self-acceptance an important component of rehabilitation. This study aimed to understand the process of self-acceptance among Anak Didik Pemasyarakatan (Andikpas), adolescents residing at LPKA Class II Yogyakarta, an Indonesian juvenile correctional institution. This qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three male Andikpas aged 16–18 years who were actively receiving correctional guidance and able to reflect on and communicate their lived experiences of self-acceptance were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, interview observations, and field notes, while interviews with three correctional officers were used for contextual triangulation. The analysis identified five interconnected themes: shame and guilt, negotiation of wrongdoing and responsibility, relational acceptance as a safe space, reflective reinterpretation of life experiences, and the construction of a more worthy future self. The findings indicate that self-acceptance develops as a gradual, relational, reflective, and future-oriented process shaped by emotional struggle, supportive relationships, meaning-making, and hope for reintegration. This study was limited to three male participants from a single juvenile correctional institution; therefore, the findings should be interpreted as context-specific and are not intended to be generalized to all juvenile correctional populations.

Remaja yang berhadapan dengan sistem peradilan anak sering menghadapi tantangan psikologis berupa rasa malu, stigma, gangguan perkembangan identitas, dan ketidakpastian masa depan, sehingga penerimaan diri menjadi aspek penting dalam proses rehabilitasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami proses penerimaan diri pada Anak Didik Pemasyarakatan (Andikpas) di LPKA Kelas II Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Tiga Andikpas laki-laki berusia 16–18 tahun yang sedang aktif menjalani pembinaan serta mampu merefleksikan dan mengomunikasikan pengalaman hidup yang berkaitan dengan penerimaan diri dipilih melalui purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur, observasi selama wawancara, dan catatan lapangan, sedangkan wawancara dengan tiga petugas LPKA digunakan sebagai triangulasi kontekstual. Analisis menghasilkan lima tema yang saling berkaitan, yaitu rasa malu dan rasa bersalah, negosiasi kesalahan dan tanggung jawab, penerimaan relasional sebagai ruang aman, pemaknaan ulang pengalaman hidup secara reflektif, serta pembentukan diri yang lebih bermakna di masa depan. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa penerimaan diri berkembang sebagai proses yang bertahap, relasional, reflektif, dan berorientasi masa depan yang dibentuk oleh pergulatan emosi, hubungan yang mendukung, pemaknaan pengalaman, serta harapan untuk reintegrasi. Penelitian ini terbatas pada tiga Andikpas laki-laki di satu lembaga pembinaan sehingga temuan perlu dipahami sebagai gambaran yang bersifat kontekstual dan tidak dimaksudkan untuk digeneralisasikan pada seluruh populasi Andikpas.

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Published

2026-10-05