Development of a Marriage Conflict Mediation Model Based on a Psychoanalytic Approach

Abstract

This study aims to develop a psychoanalysis-based mediation method for resolving marital conflicts. The method is designed to address fundamental questions: why is the psychoanalytic approach relevant in marital conflict mediation, how is this mediation method developed, and to what extent is it effective compared to traditional methods. Psychoanalysis, as developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the importance of unconscious dynamics—including defense mechanisms such as repression, projection, and displacement—in shaping behavior and interpersonal conflicts. In the context of marriage, emotional tension and past trauma are often hidden and unresolved through traditional mediation approaches that focus primarily on practical solutions. This research employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach based on the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and involves professional mediators as well as couples experiencing moderate to severe marital conflicts. The implementation phase shows that couples begin to recognize unconscious patterns influencing their conflicts, identify their defense mechanisms, and improve self-reflection and constructive communication skills. Quantitative results using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test indicate Z = -1.625 and p = 0.104, meaning that changes between pre-test and post-test scores are mixed and not statistically significant. However, qualitative findings confirm the potential of this method to enhance emotional awareness, improve communication patterns, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. The developed Practical Guide for Psychoanalysis-Based Mediation module includes basic mediator skills, questioning and listening techniques, identification of defense mechanisms, strategies for handling different attachment styles, and maintaining mediator neutrality and self-care. The module was validated by experts in family law and psychoanalysis to ensure relevance, accuracy, and practical applicability. This study contributes significantly to the literature on marital mediation in Indonesia, offering a more reflective and humanistic approach compared to traditional mediation, and provides opportunities for further research with larger samples and long-term evaluations.