Early Marriage Risks In Mental Health And Child Development

Illustration of early marriage (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Early marriage brings various serious consequences, especially in the psychological and development aspects of individuals.

Children or adolescents who marry too early are at too high a risk of mental stress, such as depression, anxiety, and severe stress. This risk will increase if the marriage is colored by unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, difficult economic conditions, or unplanned pregnancy.

Phoebe Ramadina, M.Psi., Psychologist, a clinical psychologist graduated from the University of Indonesia, explained that early marriage can be the main trigger for mental health disorders in individuals who are not emotionally and psychologically mature enough.

"In many cases, young couples experience a heavy mental burden because they are not ready to face the dynamics of relationships, household responsibility, and economic challenges," Phoebe said, as quoted by ANTARA.

The psychologist who practices at the psychological counseling institution Personal Growth also added that early marriage often prevents children from reaching the appropriate development stage. The responsibility in marriage can limit their opportunity to complete education, recognize identity, and develop maximum potential.

"The impact can last a long time, affect children's psychosocial welfare and strengthen the cycle of inequality in the family and society," he explained.

This phenomenon has returned to the public spotlight after the viral news of teenage marriages aged 15 and 17 in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Cases like this show that early marriage is still common and needs to be a common concern.

Phoebe reminded that married couples without emotional readiness and adequate interpersonal abilities are at risk of experiencing prolonged conflict. This can have a negative impact on relationship stability and lead to divorce.

"Marriage is not just a matter of love. It takes the ability to resolve conflicts, make decisions together, build healthy communication, and carry out the role of as an equal partner and parent," he said.

Therefore, he emphasized the importance of understanding both from the children and parents the decision to get married should be made with careful consideration. All psychological, emotional, cognitive, and financial aspects must be taken into account thoroughly before deciding to marry at a young age.