Environment and Social Psychology

Development of dimensions of family functionality among rural students: A fuzzy delphi method study

Nurshahira Ibrahim

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang Campus, Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang, 26400, Malaysia

Tugba Erhan

Suleyman Demirel University, Merkez/Isparta, 32260, Türkiye

Mohd Lokman Sapiee

Department of Humanities, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, 33000, Malaysia

Nur Izzaty Mohamad

School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Nik Hassan N.N

Department of Humanities, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, 33000, Malaysia

Faridah Che Husain

Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i2.3442

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Abstract

This study aimed to develop dimensions of family functionality among rural students using the Fuzzy Delphi Method. A panel of seven experts, comprising teachers, Malaysian Ministry of Education officials, and counselors, participated in the assessment process. The research utilized the Fuzzy Delphi Logic Software (FUDELO) to analyze and synthesize expert opinions, resulting in the identification of eight key constructs for the questionnaire. These constructs encompass: (1) Motivational Aspiration, (2) Empathy for the family, (3) Willingness to sacrifice and be responsible for the family, (4) Confusing attention and love for the family, (5) Need for guidance and advisors, (6) Good communication, (7) Self-reliance, and (8) Psychological well-being. The Fuzzy Delphi Method, a sophisticated technique for achieving consensus among experts, allowed for the incorporation of linguistic variables and fuzzy set theory in the decision-making process. This approach enabled the researchers to capture the nuanced perspectives of the experts while mitigating the ambiguity often associated with human judgment. By focusing on rural students, this study addresses a critical gap in understanding family dynamics within specific socio-geographic contexts. The developed dimensions offer a comprehensive framework for assessing family functionality, potentially informing educational policies, counseling strategies, and interventions tailored to the unique needs of rural students and their families. Future research could validate these dimensions through empirical studies and explore their applicability in diverse cultural and socioeconomic settings.

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