Strategi Penyesuaian Diri Siswa dalam Menghadapi Kendala Psikologis pada Masa Peralihan dari SMP ke Madrasah Aliyah

Abstract

The transition from Junior High School (SMP) to Madrasah Aliyah (MA) requires students to adapt to a new educational environment. This transition may lead to psychological barriers, such as anxiety, low self-confidence, and fear of falling behind their peers. This study aims to describe students' self-adjustment strategies in dealing with psychological barriers during the transition from SMP to Madrasah Aliyah. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design at MAN 2 Kota Kediri. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The findings revealed that students experienced psychological barriers in the form of anxiety toward religious-based subjects, low self-confidence, and culture shock related to the madrasah environment. To overcome these barriers, students applied various self-adjustment strategies, including increasing learning efforts, seeking peer support, actively participating in school activities, and strengthening self-confidence. Support from counseling teachers and the school environment also contributed to students' adjustment during the transition period.