Exploring wellbeing strategies among student council members in pesantren-based senior high schools : a case study on multiple site

Abstract

Student council are currently become the subject of significant attention since in this several years, there are numerous cases of physical harassment reported in pesantren done by the student council members. This indicates that some students are not adequately prepared to serve as student council members. Those unreadiness is related to their well-being. Being a student member with numerous duties are challenging. Student council members, who are still in adolescence, must be prepared to face numerous challenges while also navigating their own personal struggles. This research aims to explore the experiences of student council members in pesantren, focusing on their strategies for maintaining well-being while managing organizational and school responsibilities. This qualitative study offers a multisite case study of the experiences, challenges, and tactics of student council members as they navigate the intricate interplay between their organizational responsibilities and their personal well-being. The four dimensions (Having, Loving, Being, Health) of well-being theoretical framework from Konu (2002) was used as a framework of the phenomenon. There were 12 students from 3 Pesantren that participated in this research. To ascertain the diverse experiences and perspectives of student council members, this study employed in depth interviews. The data then being analysed using thematic analysis. Through their narratives, this research illuminates the distinctive stressors they confront, the multifaceted coping strategies they employ, and their personal growth journeys as they strive to maintain their mental health and well-being. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of student well-being in the context of modern pesantren. The findings indicate that the majority of challenges encountered by student council leaders pertain to interpersonal relationships, particularly those with peers and members, which can be conceptualized within the Loving dimension. While each dimension presents its own unique set of challenges, the existence of time-consuming organizational tasks that encroach upon school time, including periods designated for leisure, also represents a significant hurdle for student council administrators. Furthermore, the demands of these tasks have been observed to impact the physical and mental well-being of student council administrators, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and feelings of stress. In terms of strategy, student council administrators tend to overcome challenges by adapting their approach to suit the circumstances. They endeavour to manage their time effectively, establish daily schedules, and cultivate an understanding of their physical condition. This is subsumed under the category of problem-based coping, which is designated as "compromise." Moreover, open discussion and communication are crucial for the effective functioning of the organization. This is an example of emotion-based coping, known as "Identification," whereby an individual attempts to emulate the thoughts and behaviours of others. Moreover, based on the findings, there are some suggestions for the schools: 1. Consider organizational tasks that will take up students' school or recess time. 2. Create effective training to improve students' readiness to become student council members. 3. Maximize the task of Caregiving to be able to be a place to complain about the students, especially the student council members.