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 (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of dysfunctional family in Tabitha Suzuma's Forbidden. It aims to identify the signs of dysfunctional family, analyze the causes of family dysfunction, and examine its psychological impacts on the main characters, Lochan and Maya. This study employs a qualitative descriptive research design using a psychological approach to literature. The data source is the novel Forbidden (2010) by Tabitha Suzuma, and the analysis is conducted using Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory and Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism. The findings reveal that the Whitely family exhibits several signs of dysfunctional family, including low differentiation of self, triangulation, emotional cutoff, parentification (role reversal), and misplaced emotional attachment. The study also finds that parental neglect and absence, emotional instability, poor communication, and lack of emotional support contribute to family dysfunction. These conditions result in anxiety, emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy emotional dependency, and social isolation experienced by Lochan and Maya. The findings suggest that dysfunctional family environments profoundly shape emotional development, psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships, leading to emotional dependency 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 ...