Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yazarlar
- Demir, Nalan(2)
Yayınlar
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Challenge of existence: social anxiety in Finding Audrey
Demir, Nalan
Mental health problems affect individuals worldwide, and literature functions as a medium for both reflecting and shaping social understandings of these issues. Young adult (YA) novels that address mental health can raise public awareness, enhance mental health literacy, and support earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. This study examines the representation of social anxiety disorder in Finding Audrey (2015) by Sophie Kinsella, focusing on the protagonist Audrey Turner. It analyses Audrey’s experience through her symptoms and treatment process, classifying symptoms into behavioural and cognitive-emotional categories. Behavioural symptoms include avoidance, limited eye contact, and physical reactions, while cognitive-emotional symptoms involve negative self-talk, shame, low self-esteem, negative self-perception, and diminished trust in others. These symptoms and the depicted therapeutic approaches are evaluated in relation to current psychological and psychiatric research. Overall, the novel presents social anxiety disorder in a realistic and psychologically coherent manner, aligning with findings in psychology and psychiatry.
- MakaleYalnız künye2025Narrative empathy in young adult literature: Am I normal yet?
Demir, Nalan
Mental health issues are increasingly common in modern societies, yet public awareness has not kept pace. The invisibility of psychological disorders and fear of stigma contribute to this gap. Early detection is vital, especially among young people. Literature with its impact on emotional and cognitive development, can help raise awareness and provide support. This study examines Holly Bourne’s Am I Normal Yet? through the lens of narrative empathy to explore how fiction can shape perceptions of mental illness. It analyzes the novel’s first-person narration and embodied narration, which may evoke empathy for the protagonist experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder. These techniques can encourage emotional engagement and foster compassionate attitudes toward mental health challenges. Moreover, such literature may offer validation and solidarity to struggling readers. Ultimately, this research highlights young adult fiction's potential to enhance mental health literacy and act as an empathetic bridge between individual experience and societal understanding.