FOUNDASIA
Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025)

Interaction of Musyrifah and Santriwati in Internalizing Self-Reliance: A Self-Determination Theory Analysis

Ayusti Nur Utami (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Ariefa Efianingrum (PUI KIP Center of Excellence for Educational Sciences, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This research aimed to analyse the interaction patterns between dormitory supervisors (musyrifah) and female students (santriwati) in internalising the character of self-reliance, utilizing the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) framework. Employing a qualitative ethnographic design, the study focused on an Islamic boarding school in Yogyakarta. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from students and supervisors through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, then analysed using Spradley’s Developmental Research Sequence. Findings revealed that self-reliance was achieved through targeted psychological nourishment rather than rigid authoritarianism. Autonomy support was demonstrated in student-led cognitive initiatives, such as the "sticky notes strategy" for time management. Competence was fostered by a structured daily schedule operating as a "silent educator." Relatedness was satisfied by the musyrifah adopting a "proxy-parent" role, utilizing private communication to mitigate ego-threat during discipline. Ultimately, fulfilling the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness successfully shifted student motivation from external compliance to identified regulation, establishing self-reliance as an authentic and enduring character trait. Keywords: character education, self-reliance, Self-Determination Theory, Islamic boarding school

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Journal Info

Abbrev

foundasia

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences Other

Description

FOUNDASIA is an open access, and peer-reviewed journal. FOUNDASIA will publish the selected articles under the Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International Creative Commons license. The results of research and analysis contained in the journal accommodate manuscripts on foundations of education ...