INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION PROCESS: THE TOXIC PARENT PHENOMENON IN AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING STYLES

Abstract

The toxic parent phenomenon is caused by inappropriate parenting that affects the psychological and developmental stages of children. Whether or not parenting is appropriate for children is also influenced by the communication style applied in the family. For toxic parents, they think that what they teach their children is something right. That's why they will control everything about their children, even until they are adults. Toxic parents will use the excuse "we are doing what is best for you." As a result of this parenting, the child feels that the parent is the source of the problem which causes the child to be depressed and unable to develop properly. This problem can cause disharmony in the relationship which leads to conflict in the family. Conflict can be resolved by changing parenting and communication styles. Communication as a gap (problem) when there are obstacles that prevent the communication process from taking place so that misunderstandings occur. On the other hand, communication is a bridge (solution) when communication achieves the same meaning between the sender and receiver of the message. The purpose of this study is to see the interpersonal communication process that occurs between 'toxic' parents and their children can cause problems as well as can overcome toxic parent conflicts. By using qualitative methods and case studies, the results show that the problems and solutions to toxic parenting conflicts can be resolved by changing the communication "style."