Unpacking the Roots of Criminality and Demoralization, Prof Dwi Hastuti Emphasizes Empathic Parenting as the Foundation of Mental Health
Rapid societal change and the acceleration of information flows have posed significant challenges to public morality. Addressing this phenomenon, Professor of the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) IPB University, Prof Dwi Hastuti, emphasized the importance of empathic parenting as the foundation of mental health and family resilience.
She delivered this message during the Kajian Kauniyah Ramadan Care titled “Empathic Parenting as the Foundation of Mental Health” at Al Hurriyyah Mosque, IPB University, recently.
“Today, ethical standards in life are becoming increasingly lax. This is reflected in the rise of materialistic and hedonistic lifestyles, as well as forms of freedom that lead to antisocial behavior and egocentrism,” she stated before an audience of students.
According to her, the erosion of mutual concern among individuals has triggered various contemporary social issues that are becoming increasingly evident. She highlighted the growing prevalence of sexual orientation deviations, drug addiction, and high crime rates as tangible manifestations of this crisis.
Prof Dwi explained that demoralization occurs when human reason is overpowered by desires driven solely by ego. This condition has destructive impacts on three primary levels: individuals, families, and society.
“At the family level, such deviations may result in domestic violence and child neglect. Meanwhile, at the societal level, the consequences extend to mass corruption and organized crime,” she explained.
To better understand the roots of deviant behavior, she referred to Problem Behavior Theory (PBT). Based on this framework, problematic behavior does not occur in isolation but is influenced by a complex interaction of personality, family environment, peer groups, and socio-cultural conditions.
Furthermore, she drew on Carl Jung’s psychoanalytic approach to underscore the crucial role of the immediate environment. “An individual’s ego and subconscious are strongly shaped by family values, religion, and cultural norms. This is where the critical role of family parenting comes into play,” Prof Dwi asserted.
As a fundamental solution to the moral crisis, she called on educational institutions and families to return to the mandate of the National Education System Law (UU Sisdiknas). Education, she stressed, must be restored to its primary purpose: strengthening faith, piety, and noble character.
Through empathic parenting grounded in strong spiritual values, she expressed hope that families can once again become the primary safeguard against demoralization and protect the mental health of future generations. (*/Rz) (IAAS/CAA)
