How Good is Butterfly Hug Therapy? Here are the Results of UMM Student Research

Author : Humas | Thursday, December 12, 2024 09:07 WIB

UMM students introduce "Butterfly Hug" therapy technique in the Student Creativity Program - Social Humanities Research (PKM-RSH) event (Photo : Special)

In recent years, self-harm behavior among students in Indonesia, including in Malang, has been on the rise, raising significant concern. This trend is often triggered by emotional pressures, social issues, and the influence of social media, leaving many teenagers feeling isolated and anxious. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by a team of Psychology students from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) in the Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa - Riset Sosial Humaniora (PKM-RSH) offers a glimmer of hope. Through the "Butterfly Hug" therapy technique, the UMM team aims to address self-harm behavior with a more positive and accessible approach for students.

This innovative idea was inspired by the Korean drama It's Okay Not to Be Okay. Surprisingly, this concept earned the UMM team third place at the PIMTANAS competition last month. "Initially, we identified the phenomenon we wanted to address, namely the high rates of self-harm behavior among students in Malang. However, we hadn’t found the right intervention to tackle it. Then, one of our team members recalled the therapy technique introduced in the Korean drama It's Okay Not to Be Okay, known as the Butterfly Hug," explained Wahyuddin Fahrurrijal.

He was not alone in carrying out this research. He was accompanied by Ramadani Nur Pratiwi, Maulidatul Aisyah and Anisa Nur Akhidah. They are UMM psychology students who are accompanied by Ahmad Sulaiman S.Psi., M.Ed.

As for the Butterfly Hug, which in Indonesian means “pelukan kupu-kupu,” it was originally known as a relaxation technique used to reduce anxiety and stress. In the drama, the main character uses it as a way to manage traumatic and depressive feelings. This technique was then adapted by our team to be an alternative solution for students in Malang who often feel pressured by various problems, whether from family, school, or social environments. Butterfly Hug is a form of meditation that involves hugging yourself.

The technique is simple yet effective in calming emotions and helping individuals manage their feelings. It involves crossing both hands in front of the body and hugging one’s shoulders, followed by closing the eyes and regulating breathing using the “4-4-4” method: inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. This process can be repeated until the individual feels calmer and more at ease.

According to the team’s research, the Butterfly Hug therapy significantly improves self-acceptance among students previously engaged in self-harm. The technique equips them with tools to manage their emotions more positively, reducing the likelihood of self-harming behavior.

“Our assessment identified unresolved family issues, social pressures from peers, and the influence of social media as the primary factors driving students to self-harm. Family problems often emerge as the main trigger. Students feel unsupported by their families, leading to feelings of pressure and loneliness,” Wahyu elaborated.

Besides, friendship issues can also exacerbate the situation, as students struggle to navigate emotional challenges with their peers. However, the most dominant factor is the influence of social media. Many students are caught up in online trends, engaging in self-harm to express sadness or seek attention from others.

Conducting this study posed significant challenges, especially given the sensitivity of the topic, which required careful handling and communication. Furthermore, the team hopes that all stakeholders, including schools and parents, can collaborate to provide better support for students facing mental health issues. “We also hope that the Butterfly Hug can become a widely recognized and accepted therapy technique among students,” Wahyuddin concluded. (nam/wil/fajr)

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