The Influence of Traumatic Experience in Jennifer Niven's Novel 'All the Bright Places'

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and reveal the post-traumatic mental disorder of the two main characters in the novel. The writer analyzes how the symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are described, what impacts are experienced afterward, the causes of trauma, and how the self-defense mechanisms they use to overcome PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). In this study, the writer uses a qualitative method. The writer also uses a psychoanalytic approach from Sigmund Freud and Freud's theory as well as about self-defense mechanisms, where the id, ego, and superego become the outline of Sigmund Freud's theory which shows how a person can determine the defense mechanism he will take. In the results of this study, the writers found several PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms described by the two main characters such as sleep problems, nightmares, avoidance, and emptiness. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) also has several impacts on their lives such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Suicidal Obsession, refusal to drive a car, and changes in cognitive function. Several causes of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) were also found, such as a bad family environment (parental divorce), bullying, and accidents involving death. In addition to the symptoms, impacts, and causes of trauma, both characters also carry out several defense mechanisms to overcome trauma such as reaction formation, rejection, displacement, conversion, and sublimation.

Keywords: defense mechanism, literature, psychoanalysis, ptsd (post-traumatic stress disorder), sigmund freud