Emotional Regulation Across Home and School Contexts: A Qualitative Case Study of a 7-Year-Old Child in a Conflictual Indonesian Family

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the emotional regulation of a 7-year-old child growing up in a conflictual family environment in Indonesia. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach using a single case design. The subject was a 7-year-old child living with his mother as a single parent in an extended family environment characterized by recurring interpersonal conflict. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with the mother, aunt, and class teacher, non-participatory observation of the child's emotional behavior, and supporting documentation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis involving data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification, with validity ensured through triangulation of techniques and sources. The findings indicate that exposure to family conflict influenced the child's emotional responses, which tended to be reactive within the home context. However, the child also demonstrated emotional regulation through diversion strategies by distancing himself from the source of conflict. In the school environment, the child exhibited more adaptive and stable emotional regulation, highlighting the role of environmental support as a protective factor. While this study is limited to a single case and does not aim for generalization, it contributes to a contextual understanding of emotional regulation within Indonesian family dynamics and underscores the importance of supportive school environments and adaptive parental modeling.