Self-healing dan Self-reward di Kalangan Mahasiswa UNNES: Sebuah Kajian Sosiologis tentang Gaya Hidup Mahasiswa Modern

Abstract

The phenomena of self-healing and self-reward have increasingly developed among students as part of a modern lifestyle in coping with academic pressure and campus life dynamics. This study aims to analyze the reasons behind the emergence of these phenomena and how students at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) construct meaning, personal experiences, and identity through such practices. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation and in-depth interviews involving 12 students from various faculties. The data were analyzed using the perspective of symbolic interactionism to understand the process of meaning construction. The findings reveal that self-healing and self-reward function as coping mechanisms for academic stress and are further shaped by social interactions and social media influence. Students interpret self-healing as a form of mental recovery, while self-reward is seen as a form of self-appreciation. Additionally, these practices serve as a medium for identity expression and represent a modern student lifestyle, both in private and public spheres. This study concludes that self-healing and self-reward are not only psychological practices but also carry social and symbolic meanings in students’ lives.