Healing Narratives After Sexual Violence in the Shadow of Sing Beling Sing Nganten

Authors

  • Putu Divariani Master of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Sosio Humaniora Bulaksumur, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, 55281 Yogyakarta
    Indonesia
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0863-3999
  • MA Subandi Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Sosio Humaniora Bulaksumur, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, 55281 Yogyakarta
    Indonesia
    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6655-0038

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23917/indigenous.v11i3.16182

Keywords:

balinese cultural values, narrative ethnography, psychological experiences, sexual violence, women survivors

Abstract

Sexual violence against women in Bali is closely linked to gender inequality sustained by patriarchal cultural values. One cultural phenomenon that contributes to this condition is sing beling sing nganten, which normalizes premarital sexual relations as a marker of fertility and social acceptance, potentially increasing vulnerability to sexual violence and intensifying psychological distress among survivors. This study aims to explore the psychological experiences of Balinese women after sexual violence through an analysis of their personal narratives within the framework of Balinese cultural values. A qualitative study using a narrative ethnographic approach was conducted to examine how culture shapes meaning-making processes, self-perception, and recovery among survivors. The participants consisted of five adult unmarried Balinese women who had experienced sexual violence, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and supplementary interviews with community leaders and religious figures to provide broader cultural perspectives. The data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and meanings within the narratives. The findings revealed four central themes: psychological trauma within cultural contexts, social relationships and cultural values, processes of self-acceptance within cultural frameworks, and the role of spirituality and Balinese cultural values in recovery. These themes illustrate how survivors negotiate personal suffering, social expectations, and cultural beliefs in reconstructing their sense of self after sexual violence. The study concludes that Balinese cultural values can function both as sources of psychological burden and as potential protective factors in the recovery process. These findings highlight the importance of developing culturally sensitive interventions and contribute to a deeper understanding of sexual violence and healing within the Balinese cultural context.

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Submitted

11-02-2026

Accepted

15-07-2026

Published

08-08-2026

How to Cite

Divariani, P., & Subandi, M. (2026). Healing Narratives After Sexual Violence in the Shadow of Sing Beling Sing Nganten. Indigenous: Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi, 11(3), 192–202. https://doi.org/10.23917/indigenous.v11i3.16182

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