Non-Formal Strategies in Managing Conflict and Stress: A Qualitative Study in Islamic Boarding School Educational Institutions

Abstract

The study found that pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) employ non-formal mechanisms for managing conflict and stress, which naturally emerge from local cultural and religious values. These strategies include spiritual approaches such as communal prayers, dhikr (remembrance of God), and religious study sessions, as well as interpersonal interventions through familial-style mediation and informal guidance provided by caretakers. Such approaches significantly contribute to fostering a stable environment and promoting the psychological well-being of the students. The active role of kyai and ustadz as mentor figures who offer personal counsel also plays a vital part in maintaining harmony and mitigating potential conflicts. Furthermore, the close-knit social interactions and routine congregational worship practices strengthen communal solidarity and enhance the emotional resilience of the pesantren community.