EduAsiaNews, Bogor – The rapid development of the times and the swift flow of information have posed significant challenges to societal morality. In addressing this phenomenon, a Professor of the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) at IPB University, Prof. Dwi Hastuti, emphasized the importance of empathic parenting as a foundation for mental health and family resilience.
She conveyed this message during the Kauniyah Ramadan Care lecture titled “Empathic Parenting as the Foundation of Mental Health” at Masjid Al Hurriyyah recently.
“At present, the ethics of life are becoming increasingly lax. This is marked by the rise of materialistic and hedonistic lifestyles, as well as a sense of freedom that leads to antisocial behavior and egocentrism,” she stated before a congregation of students.
According to her, the erosion of mutual care and concern has triggered increasingly visible contemporary social issues. She highlighted the growing prevalence of sexual orientation deviations, narcotics addiction, and rising crime rates as tangible manifestations of this crisis.
Prof. Dwi explained that the process of demoralization occurs when human reason is overpowered by base desires that prioritize self-interest. This condition has destructive impacts on three primary levels: the individual, the family, and society.
“At the family level, such deviations may culminate in domestic violence and child neglect. Meanwhile, at the societal level, the impact expands to mass corruption and organized crime,” she elaborated.
To understand the root causes of such deviant behavior, she referred to problem behavior theory (PBT). Based on this framework, problematic behavior does not occur in a vacuum; rather, it is shaped by a complex interplay of personality, family environment, peer influence, and socio-cultural conditions.
Furthermore, she drew upon the psychoanalytic approach of Carl Jung to underscore the importance of one’s immediate environment. “An individual’s ego and subconscious are profoundly shaped by family values, religion, and cultural norms. This is where the crucial role of family parenting comes into play,” Prof. Dwi asserted.
As a fundamental solution to the moral crisis, she called upon 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: to enhance faith, piety, and noble character.
Through empathic parenting grounded in strong spiritual values, she expressed hope that the family institution can once again serve as the primary bulwark against demoralization and safeguard the mental health of the nation’s future generations. (*/Rz)
