Background: The study reveals the emotional journey of a couple's marriage. Young couples' expectations, fears, and hopes in the marriage preparation process are crucial. Thus, this study aimed to identify hope, fear and expectation of Indonesian young couples on the pre-marital process.
Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative process employs a phenomenological approach, which is carried out through in-depth interviews with 10 respondents, lasting 40-60 minutes each. Then, the Collaizzi method was used to identify the theme of important phenomena. Quantitative surveys were collected from 30 respondents. Data analysis in a survey by processing the data, then displaying it in the form of numbers and percentages. to identify the frequency and percentage of expectations data. The research process was conducted from November to December 2024.
Results: In qualitative research, there are 2 major themes in this study, namely 1) Expectations Before Marriage, and 2) Fear of Facing Marriage. Key findings reveal couples' aspirations for harmonious family roles, economic stability, and emotional support, as well as their concerns about their ability to fulfil these roles, financial stability, and commitment uncertainty. In a quantitative survey, there were 44.6% expectations for commitment, 27.7% for economic, 16.6% for emotional, and 11.1% for support.
Conclusion: Social views have a significant impact on premarital expectations, fears, and hopes for young couples. Young couples who are committed to long-term, economic stability and can control their emotions are expected to minimize the fear and worry in marriage. In Addition, premarital education may be needed for the community and young couples before marriage.