Indonesian Journal of Counseling and Development
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): July 2026

Reducing Divorce in Early Marriages: A Persuasive Communication Approach by Islamic Religious Counselors

Ahmad Fauzi Nasution (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Dika Sahputra (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Islamic Religious Counselors in mitigating divorce among early-marriage couples through persuasive communication. Although early marriage is frequently associated with an elevated risk of marital instability, limited research has explored how religious counseling contributes to divorce prevention. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, this study gathered data through observation and in-depth interviews with religious counselors and institutional leaders involved in marital guidance. Data were analyzed using Carl I. Hovland’s Persuasive Communication Theory. The findings indicate that Islamic Religious Counselors serve a critical function in preventing marital dissolution by deploying persuasive, dialogical, and non-judgmental communication. Key strategies include bidirectional communication, accessible language, storytelling, and family involvement. These approaches foster greater openness, emotional stability, and constructive conflict resolution among couples. Ultimately, this study underscores the potential of faith-based counseling as an effective communication strategy for strengthening marital resilience and reducing the risk of divorce in early marriages

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bkpi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education

Description

The aim of this journal is to publish high-quality articles dedicated to all aspects of the latest outstanding developments in the fields of counseling and education in all settings. The scope of this journal encompasses the applications of schools counseling, mental health, assessment, supervision ...