ABSTRACS
Permadani, A.F. 2025. THESIS. A Phenomenological Study of People pleasing
Behavior Among Students of the Islamic Psychology Student Association at
Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo. Advisor I: Dr. Muh. Tajab, M.A. Advisor
II: Afitria Rizkiana, M. Psi., Psikolog.
Keywords: People Pleasing, UMPO Students, Personal Boundaries, Social
Pressure
This study aims to explore in depth the phenomenon of people pleasing
behavior among students involved in the Islamic Psychology Student Association
at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo. The research focuses on uncovering the
subjective experiences of students in navigating socially demanding relationships,
as well as the strategies they employ to deal with their tendency to constantly please
others.
This study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach.
Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven active students who
demonstrated characteristics of people pleasing.
The findings reveal that people pleasing behavior among students arises
from a strong need for external validation, fear of rejection, and social pressures,
including complex organizational roles. The participants experienced significant
psychological impacts, such as emotional exhaustion, stress, guilt, loss of personal
identity, and even burnout. Nonetheless, several students have started to develop
awareness of the importance of setting personal boundaries and implementing
strategies to maintain their psychological well-being. These strategies include
learning to say no, setting priorities, and building healthier social relationships. This
study concludes that people pleasing is a complex psychological dynamic,
influenced by the interaction between external pressure and a lack of awareness of
personal boundaries. Awareness of this pattern is an essential first step toward
developing healthier and more authentic relationships in the student environment