KOMUNIKASI ANTARPRIBADI DALAM TOXIC RELATIONSHIP PACARAN PADA MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS NEGERI GORONTALO

Abstract

In romantic relationships, things don't always go smoothly. There are many reasons why a
consensual relationship between people of different genders becomes an unhealthy relationship.
For example, the lack of openness between partners is one of the causes of problems in romantic
relationships. An unhealthy relationship can have a negative impact on the physical and mental
health of someone involved in the relationship. The condition of an unhealthy romantic
relationship is called a toxic relationship.
This research aims to find out how interpersonal communication processes and social exchanges
occur in toxic relationships among Gorontalo State University students. The research method
used is a qualitative descriptive approach using social penetration theory and Social Exchange
Theory as analytical tools.
The research results show that the relationship level that leads to a toxic relationship occurs in
the communication context, namely verbal and nonverbal communication. The findings of verbal
communication that occurred in the relationships of several informant couples were that the
couple received harsh words, lies, insults towards the partner, demeaned and intimidated the
partner. Meanwhile, findings related to nonverbal communication that occurred were that
several informants often received physical violence such as punches and even throwing things
when a conflict occurred. Second, the social exchange that occurs in relationships, namely costs
and rewards. The costs received in a relationship include momentary emotional satisfaction and
sufficient financial needs. Apart from that, the rewards that occur include frequently feeling
stressed, anxious, and losing freedom in relationships.