The Interpersonal Communication Process Of The Female Dormitory Students Of The University Of North Sumatra (Qualitative Study Of USU Putri Dormitory Students)

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Understanding the Importance of Interpersonal Communication in the Dormitory Environment

Interpersonal communication is a vital aspect of social life, especially in the dormitory environment where students live and interact with each other on a daily basis. The University of North Sumatra (USU) is one of the institutions that provide dormitory facilities for its students, and the female dormitory, in particular, is a hub of social activity where students engage in various forms of communication. This research aims to explore the interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students at USU, identify the obstacles that hinder effective communication, and provide recommendations on how to overcome these obstacles.

Research Methods: A Qualitative Approach

This study employed a qualitative approach to gather data on the interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students at USU. The research methods used were observation, interviews, and documentation. Observation was conducted to gather accurate and factual information about the communication process without any manipulation. The researchers also conducted interviews with active students living in the USU women's dormitory and used purposive sampling techniques to select informants. The data collected through these methods provided a rich and detailed understanding of the interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students.

The Interpersonal Communication Process: Six Stages

The results of this study revealed that the interpersonal communication process among USU women's dormitory students consists of six stages:

1. Contact: The Initial Stage of Interaction

The first stage of the interpersonal communication process is contact, where individuals interact with each other for the first time. This stage is crucial as it sets the tone for future interactions and relationships.

2. Involvement: Building Emotional Connections

The second stage is involvement, where individuals begin to be emotionally invested in each other and build deeper relationships. This stage is characterized by a sense of mutual understanding and connection.

3. Kinship: The Emergence of Mutual Trust and Comfort

The third stage is kinship, where individuals develop a sense of mutual trust and comfort with each other. This stage is marked by a sense of belonging and togetherness.

4. Recovery: Overcoming Misunderstandings

The fourth stage is recovery, where individuals work to rebuild good communication after a misunderstanding or conflict. This stage is critical in maintaining healthy relationships.

5. Termination: The End of a Relationship

The fifth stage is termination, where the relationship comes to an end, either formally or informally. This stage is a natural part of the interpersonal communication process.

Barriers to Communication: Obstacles to Effective Interaction

Despite the importance of interpersonal communication, there are several obstacles that hinder effective interaction among female dormitory students at USU. These barriers include:

1. Mechanical Resistance: Physical or Technical Disorders

Mechanical resistance refers to physical or technical disorders that interfere with interaction, such as technical issues with communication devices or physical barriers that prevent face-to-face interaction.

2. Semantic Barriers: Differences in Understanding or Interpretation

Semantic barriers occur when there are differences in understanding or interpretation of the message conveyed, leading to confusion and miscommunication.

3. Human Barriers: Emotional Factors

Human barriers are related to emotional factors, such as discomfort or lack of understanding between individuals, which can hinder effective communication.

Overcoming Obstacles: Recommendations for Effective Communication

To overcome these obstacles, this study recommends several steps:

1. Increasing Feedback: Providing Constructive Feedback

Providing constructive feedback can help clarify the message and prevent misunderstandings.

2. Establishing Friendship: Building a Friendly and Mutually Supportive Atmosphere

Building a friendly and mutually supportive atmosphere can help create an environment that fosters healthy communication.

3. Respecting Each Other: Creating an Environment that Respects and Accepts Differences

Creating an environment that respects and accepts differences can help prevent conflicts and promote effective communication.

4. Implementing Direct and Indirect Communication: Using Various Ways to Convey Messages

Using various ways to convey messages, both directly and through other media, can help ensure that the message is received and understood.

Conclusion: The Importance of Interpersonal Communication in the Dormitory Environment

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of interpersonal communication in the dormitory environment. The interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students at USU consists of six stages, and there are several obstacles that hinder effective interaction. By understanding and overcoming these obstacles, students can increase the effectiveness of their communication. This research makes an important contribution to the development of communication science and provides insight to the manager of the dormitory in creating an environment that supports healthy communication among students.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to explore the interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students at the University of North Sumatra (USU), identify the obstacles that hinder effective communication, and provide recommendations on how to overcome these obstacles.

Q: What research methods were used in this study?

A: This study employed a qualitative approach, using observation, interviews, and documentation as research methods. Observation was conducted to gather accurate and factual information about the communication process without any manipulation. The researchers also conducted interviews with active students living in the USU women's dormitory and used purposive sampling techniques to select informants.

Q: What are the six stages of the interpersonal communication process?

A: The six stages of the interpersonal communication process are:

  1. Contact: The initial stage of interaction where individuals interact with each other for the first time.
  2. Involvement: Where individuals begin to be emotionally invested in each other and build deeper relationships.
  3. Kinship: The emergence of mutual trust and comfort between individuals.
  4. Recovery: The process of returning to build good communication after a misunderstanding.
  5. Termination: When the relationship ends, both formally and informally.

Q: What are the barriers to communication that hinder effective interaction?

A: The barriers to communication that hinder effective interaction among female dormitory students at USU include:

  1. Mechanical resistance: Physical or technical disorders that interfere with interaction.
  2. Semantic barriers: Differences in understanding or interpretation of the message conveyed.
  3. Human barriers: Emotional factors, such as discomfort or lack of understanding between individuals.

Q: How can these obstacles be overcome?

A: To overcome these obstacles, this study recommends the following steps:

  1. Increasing feedback: Providing constructive feedback to clarify the message.
  2. Establishing friendship: Building a friendly and mutually supportive atmosphere.
  3. Respecting each other: Creating an environment that respects and accepts differences.
  4. Implementing direct and indirect communication: Using various ways to convey messages, both directly and through other media.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the dormitory environment?

A: This study highlights the importance of creating an environment that supports healthy communication among students. By understanding and overcoming the obstacles to communication, dormitory managers can create a more supportive and inclusive environment that fosters positive relationships among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a qualitative approach. Future studies should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and use a mixed-methods approach to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interpersonal communication process among female dormitory students.

Q: What are the future directions for research on interpersonal communication in the dormitory environment?

A: Future research should aim to explore the interpersonal communication process among students from different cultural backgrounds, as well as the impact of technology on communication in the dormitory environment. Additionally, research should focus on developing strategies to promote healthy communication and prevent conflicts among students.