Relationship Development in Interpersonal Communication Online-Based Peer Counseling

Online-based peer counseling by Halo Jiwa Indonesia is known as Ruang Refleksi Online or Online Reflection Room (RRO). This service is one of the programs initiated to provide emotional support for the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship development of interpersonal communication in Halo Jiwa Indonesia’s peer counseling using the social penetration theory concept. The research method used is descriptive qualitative method, with data collection techniques in the form of observation and in-depth interviews. There were 3 informants selected by purposive sampling method. This study clearly found that peer counselors are applying the four stages of relationship development concept from social penetration theory. Additionaly, the successful online peer counseling of RRO depends on how clients could show their self-disclosure according to the supporting and inhibiting factors. This study suggests that the following research might analyze the self-disclosure from the client‘s persepective as a user. This will help the e-counseling service to applying strategies in interpersonal approachment with their clients.