Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as Bullying Consequence: Self-Identity Construction of a Survivor in Jennifer Niven’s Holding up the Universe

Abstract

Holding up the Universe written by Jennifer Niven depicted realistic experiences of bullying and its consequences. This study aims to analyze the self-identity construction of Libby Strout as a bullying victim who developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Deploying Elizabeth Brett’s concept of PTSD and Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis theories, this study applied a descriptive-analytical method to analyze the causes and symptoms of Libby’s PTSD and the process of her self-identity construction. The result of this study showed that the main cause of her PTSD was the series of bullying events involving physical, verbal, social, and cyber types of bullying. Libby developed several PTSD symptoms including re-experiencing traumatic events through flashbacks, sleeping and concentrating difficulties, the use of violence as the escaping way, emotional numbness, and social withdrawal. Along her journey to recovery, Libby experienced anxiety and two types of defense mechanisms – resistance and regression. She was helped by Mr. Levine in a counseling class called Conversation Circle and once a week meeting with her former caregiver, Rachel. Both of them helped Libby to reveal her emotions and traumas. Therefore, she constructed her self-identity by accepting how the way she was and proud of what she was doing. Eventually, Libby got better physically and mentally, and she found meaning in what she loved.