Proceeding of Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Linguistic, and Cultural Studies
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): UNCOLLCS: PROCEEDING RESEARCH ON LITERARY, LINGUISTIC, AND

Dysfunctional Family in Tabitha Suzuma’s Forbidden

Rani Anggi Adikasih (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)
Anik Cahyaning Rahayu (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of dysfunctional family in Tabitha Suzuma's Forbidden. Itaims to identify the signs of dysfunctional family, analyze the causes of family dysfunction, and examineits psychological impacts on the main characters, Lochan and Maya. This study employs a qualitativedescriptive research design using a psychological approach to literature. The data source is the novelForbidden (2010) by Tabitha Suzuma, and the analysis is conducted using Murray Bowen's FamilySystems Theory and Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism. The findings reveal that the Whitely familyexhibits several signs of dysfunctional family, including low differentiation of self, triangulation,emotional cutoff, parentification (role reversal), and misplaced emotional attachment. The study alsofinds that parental neglect and absence, emotional instability, poor communication, and lack ofemotional support contribute to family dysfunction. These conditions result in anxiety, emotionaldistress, low self-esteem, unhealthy emotional dependency, and social isolation experienced by Lochanand Maya. The findings suggest that dysfunctional family environments profoundly shape emotionaldevelopment, psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships, leading to emotionaldependency and blurred family boundaries.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

uncollcs

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Proceeding of Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Linguistic, and Cultural Studies is a peer-reviewed proceeding, open access, and annual academic proceeding dedicated to the publications of research in the areas of linguistics, literature, and culture studies that had been disseminated in the ...