The Role of Mediation as a Family Counseling Service in Maintaining Marital Integrity at the Religious Court of Batang

Abstract

Abstract

Conflict within families is a common phenomenon that can negatively affect harmony and the psychological development of family members, especially children. Mediation as a method of conflict resolution has been widely used in the field of family law, such as in divorce and child custody disputes. A mediation approach combined with counseling principles has proven to be more effective in resolving conflicts peacefully, improving communication, and restoring relationships among family members. This article aims to analyze the effectiveness of mediation as a counseling approach in family conflicts from legal and psychological perspectives. A qualitative method is used to explore in depth the process of conducting counseling guidance for disputing parties through mediation, as well as the factors that influence the effectiveness of mediation in resolving divorce cases. The data in this study are presented descriptively and narratively, with an emphasis on understanding the social, psychological, and cultural contexts that influence the success or failure of counseling guidance. The results show that counseling-based mediation has great potential to create sustainable conflict resolution and strengthen family functioning. Furthermore, the effectiveness of mediation does not only depend on the implementation of formal procedures but also on the commitment and emotional readiness of the parties, the mediator’s competence, and adequate social and institutional support.