Anaphora: Journal of Language. Literary and Cultural Studies
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): JULY

Behind the Silence: Cath Avery's Social Anxiety Disorder in Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl

Anik Cahyaning Rahayu (Sastra Inggris, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)
Sudarwati Sudarwati (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines the representation of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) experienced by Cath Avery, the protagonist of Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl (2013). Previous studies have predominantly interpreted Cath's psychological condition through psychoanalytic perspectives, with limited attention given to contemporary cognitive approaches. Therefore, this study aims to identify the symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder exhibited by Cath, investigate the psychological and environmental factors contributing to her anxiety, and examine its effects on her personal development, interpersonal relationships, and identity formation. This research employs a qualitative descriptive design using a literary psychology approach. The primary data consist of narrative passages, dialogues, and internal monologues analyzed through textual analysis. The analysis is guided by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) developed by Aaron T. Beck and Judith S. Beck, complemented by Carl Jung's Analytical Psychology. The findings reveal that Cath exhibits major symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder, including fear of social interaction, avoidance behaviour, negative self-evaluation, automatic negative thoughts, and physiological anxiety responses. These symptoms are influenced by emotional dependence on her twin sister, maternal abandonment, and difficulties adapting to university life. Furthermore, her anxiety significantly affects her academic adjustment, social relationships, emotional well-being, and identity development. This study contributes to literary psychology by demonstrating how contemporary fiction realistically represents Social Anxiety Disorder through the integration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Jung's Analytical Psychology.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ANAPHORA

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Anaphora : Journal of Language, Literary and Cultural Studies is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal, open access, and biannual academic journal dedicated to the publications of research in the areas of language, literature, and culture studies. Anaphora: Journal of Language, Literary and Cultural ...