Behavioral Analysis and Culturally Aware Counseling Strategies for Female Students Experiencing Social Adaptation Difficulties

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the problems experienced by female students in social adaptation due to differences in language and culture and to examine culturally aware counseling strategies used to address these challenges. A qualitative approach with a descriptive research design was employed. The participant was a 20-year-old female student with the initials S from Pasaman who is currently studying in Bukittinggi. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews and analyzed using an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed barriers to cross-cultural communication, difficulties in social adjustment, low self-confidence, communication anxiety, the need for social acceptance, and cultural and language differences. Contributing factors included differences in linguistic background, lack of preparedness for a new environment, limited cross-cultural experience, negative self-perceptions, insufficient support, and less inclusive communication patterns. Culturally aware counseling strategies, including Self-Counseling (KONSELF), Behavioral Counseling (KONBE), and Pancawaskita Counseling, helped enhance self-acceptance, confidence, communication skills, and healthy adaptation while preserving cultural identity. The study highlights the importance of counselors’ cultural sensitivity and supportive environments in achieving successful cross-cultural counseling.