Analysis of the Impact of Parental Silent Treatment on Children's Interpersonal Communication Development

Abstract

Parental silent treatment represents a form of relational withdrawal that may shape children’s experiences of communication and interpersonal relationships. However, limited research has examined how repeated parental silent treatment is perceived to influence children’s interpersonal communication development within family contexts. This study aims to analyze the perceived impact of parental silent treatment on children’s interpersonal communication development. A qualitative case study design was employed involving three female participants aged 18–20 years who had experienced silent treatment from their parents during childhood or adolescence. Participants were selected purposively based on predetermined criteria and resided in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. The findings revealed four interconnected themes: restricted parent–child communication, parental silent treatment as a pattern of emotional withdrawal, interpersonal and emotional consequences, and passive responses accompanied by expectations for healthier communication. Participants described one-way or minimal parental communication and experiences of being ignored, treated coldly, or excluded from interaction following anger or disagreement. These experiences were associated with difficulties expressing feelings, reluctance to disclose personal problems, fear of rejection, anxiety, reduced self-confidence, and perceived relational distance. Some participants also reported passive responses and recognition of similar communication patterns in subsequent relationships. The findings highlight the importance of reciprocal, empathic, and emotionally validating parent–child communication. Keywords: case study, children, communication, , interpersonal, parents, silent treatment