LAUREL'S DEPRESSION IN THE NOVEL LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD BY AVA DELLAIRA

Abstract

This study aimed to provide insights into the complex experiences of individuals dealing with depression and enhancing our understanding of mental health. Focusing on the character Laurel in Love Letters to the Dead, the research explored depression symptoms, factors, and cope mechanisms. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive research methodology with a psychological approach. Data is obtained by repeatedly reading the novel, taking notes, and then categorizing data related to this study. The results of this study showed that the factors contributing to Laurel's depression were categorized into two main categories: firstly, a stressful environment and life events, and secondly, psychological vulnerability caused by facing sexual abuse, divorce, and mourning. Laurel also exhibited depressive symptoms, including emotional, cognitive, motivational, and physical depression symptoms. Laurel used four types of defense mechanisms to cope with her depressive disorder: repression, displacement, reaction formation, and sublimation. The researcher identified a total of 39 data points, which could be further classified as follows: 6 data points related to depressive factors, 28 data points related to depressive symptoms, and 6 data points related to defense mechanisms. From the explanations above, it could be concluded that depression could occur in individuals simultaneously with various causes.