True Self Research Articles

Concealed and compromised: masking, autism and graphic medicine

ABSTRACT While the phenomenon of autistic masking, in which individuals on the autism spectrum conceal their true selves to conform to neurotypical norms, is increasingly examined in psychological contexts, it is comparatively understudied in literary representations. The present article, centred on the 2022 anthology, Sensory: Life on the Spectrum, An Autistic Comics Anthology, curated by Bex Ollerton, close-reads selected autobiographical comics to demonstrate how autistics leverage the graphic medium to depict the lived experiences of masking. The article analyses the compromise of selfhood inherent in this phenomenon, and it investigates the intricacies of identity, neuronormative expectations and the toll of performing neurotypicality. The medium of comics becomes a potent medium to present the impact of masking on neurodivergent individual’s sense of self and belonging. Furthermore, the article underscores the potential of graphic medicine in exposing neuroableism, amplifying neurodivergent voices and advancing discourse on neurodiversity within literary and cultural contexts.

Risky Sexual Behavior in Men Who Have Sex with Men at Sentani Public Health Center

Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) is used for men who engage in sexual activities with other men who are increasingly online to show their true selves. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, especially being infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to determine the risky sexual behavior of men who have sex with men at the Sentani Papua Health Center. The research method used a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews. Determination of informants using purposive sampling technique with a total of 4 informants (3 main informants and 1 key informant). Data were collected through in-depth interviews and then analyzed thematically. Results: the results of this study indicate that informants are aged 18-35 years, and produce five (5) themes, namely sexual orientation where all informants are attracted to the same sex (homosexual), no sexual disorientation, sexual deviations obtained from informants are never using condoms, having anal sex, having oral sex, and ejaculating in the mouth, and opportunistic diseases found in informants are Gonorrhea, Candidias, Diarrhea, TB, Dermatitis, and TB. Lungs Conclusion: the results of the study indicate that all informants who like the same sex, engage in sexually deviant behavior every time they engage in sexual activity and informants need the provision of hotline counseling in preventing HIV transmission.

Development and Validation of the Career Authenticity Scale (CAS).

The self is crucial in career development, and authenticity emerges when individuals live in accordance with their true selves. This true self includes a deep awareness of one's abilities, cognitive, physical, and emotional traits, and unbiased answers to "Who am I?". Given its importance in career development, originality can significantly impact one's professional journey. This study brings a new structure to the field of career counseling with the term career authenticity. Career authenticity is a condition that emerges when individuals manage external influences and make their career choices in accordance with their true selves, thus achieving a work life that contributes to the meaning and purpose of their lives. The Career Authenticity Scale (CAS) was developed and validated in two samples of university students. In Study 1 (n = 402), the CAS was developed, and a structure consisting of 12 items and three dimensions was obtained as a result of exploratory factor analysis. Calculations also included the internal reliability coefficients of the CAS. In Study 2 (n = 322), the structure confirming the factors obtained in the first study was confirmed. Analyses also included convergent and discriminant validity, criterion-related validity, measurement invariance across gender, and item discrimination power of the CAS. The results show that the CAS meets the conditions for convergent and discriminant validity. A positive relationship was detected between the CAS and vocational outcome expectations and career proactive behaviors. The CAS was found to provide measurement invariance at configural, metric, scalar and strict invariance levels according to gender. In conclusion, the CAS was proven to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Increasing Black Employees’ Social Identity Affirmation and Organizational Involvement: Reducing Social Uncertainty Through Organizational and Individual Strategies

Despite the psychological benefits of authenticity, Black employees within predominantly White organizations often face the dilemma of whether to downplay versus highlight their social identity. Our research introduces social uncertainty as a unifying lens to understand the reluctance of these employees to express their social identity. Highlighting the central role of social uncertainty also helps identify novel factors at both the organizational level (authenticity climates) and individual level (perspective-taking) that can encourage Black employees to engage in social identity affirmation—authentic expressions of the positive aspects of their social identity. To test our hypotheses, we conducted two survey studies, two experiments, qualitative interviews, as well as coded text responses to our experimental prompts. Across our studies, authenticity climates were associated with greater social identity affirmation by Black employees, and this relationship was strengthened when these employees engaged in perspective-taking. Consistent with our theorizing, social certainty mediated these direct and moderated effects. In addition, social identity affirmation increased Black employees’ organizational involvement. Our experimental studies offer causal evidence for the roles of both authenticity climates and Black employees’ perspective-taking, our qualitative interviews vividly illuminate our hypotheses, and our text response analyses provide insight into how authenticity climates operate. Overall, the current research highlights how organizations can help Black employees feel comfortable emphasizing and expressing their true selves by increasing their social certainty. These findings also have direct implications for organizational leaders, providing them with actionable strategies to create more inclusive environments. Funding: The research was supported by Northwestern University and Oklahoma State University. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2020.14659 .

The Importance of Child Education in the Context of Establishing a New Nation and New Society in Bekir ÇOBANZADE’s Works

The idea of establishing a new nation and new society reflected in Bekir Sıtkı ÇOBANZADE’s ideology and poetry is an extension of İsmail Bey Gaspıralı’s national renaissance and rebirth movement. The concept of national renaissance and rebirth initiated by the Tercüman newspaper primarily influenced the children, who represented the new society that the Crimean Tatar people, seeking to return to their roots and escape Russian imperialism, aimed to establish. The Usûl-u Cedit education system was used to transform young Tatar children into heroic Turkish and Muslim people fighting against Russian imperialism. This system strengthened the rebirth process of Crimean Tatar children who were weakened by Russian imperialism. During this process, in 1905, Çobanzade initiated the Yaş Tatar movement along with young people like Numan Celebi Cihan and Hasan Mirza Cergeyev. In his poem “Anan Kayda,” published here, he aimed to raise Crimean Tatar children under Russian imperialism into children who would fight against fate and the Russification policy within the poetics of the New Nation and New Society to be established. For the Crimean Tatar people, avoiding the loss of their true selves, the only way out is to create an enlightened and educated segment built on their ideals and national identity. Therefore, in his poems, Çobanzade created a child prototype. The most well-known of these prototypes is a girl named Esma. The poet designed the political panorama of the era through Esma. He desired to raise a new nation and new society that were free from the calamities and oppression the people were facing.

Protective Effects of Authenticity Against Depression, Suicide, and Burnout among Surgeons.

Physician burnout and poor mental health are highly prevalent issues within the surgical community. Authenticity, defined as the degree to which individuals align their actions with their true selves, has been identified as a potential factor facilitating positive mental health. This study explores the impact of authenticity on burnout, depression, and suicide among surgeons. Members of the department of surgery at a large academic medical center were sent an anonymous survey between April to May 2023. The survey evaluated authenticity using Authenticity Scale, depression using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), burnout using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and suicidality using Ask-Suicide Screening Questions (ASQ) tool. Of the 170 surgeons, 94 (55.3%) completed the survey. Higher Authentic Living scores (ALS) correlated with reduced burnout (r=-0.21, p=0.047) and depression (r=-0.37, p=0.0002). Conversely, higher Accepting External Influence (AEI) were associated with increased depression (r=0.23, p=0.023) and higher Self-Alienation (ASA) were associated with increased burnout (r=0.43, p<0.0001) and depression (r=0.48, p<0.0001). While authenticity domain scores were not significantly associated with ASQ, specific AEI and ASA questions indicated an elevated odds ratio (p=0.029 and p=0.010 respectively) of a positive ASQ. ALS increased with advancement in professional rank (p=0.007), while AEI (p=0.0001), ASA (p=0.003), depression (p=0.014), and ASQ (p=0.02) decreased. In this study, higher authenticity was associated with a lower likelihood of burnout and depression among surgeons. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of targeted intervention and support mechanisms aimed at promoting authenticity and mental health within the surgical profession.

Seven Identities Co-existing, A Noteworthy Manifestation of Complex Childhood Trauma: A Case Report

Background Childhood trauma increases the risk for psychiatric disorders such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), Depersonalisation/Derealisation disorder (DDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Dissociative Type (D-PTSD), and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Children who experience prolonged stress, trauma, or abuse during developmental years of growth and change have a wide range of outcomes. Case Presentation We report a case of a 22-year-old female with a significant history of physical abuse and sexual assault who initially presented to the hospital for suicidal ideation with a stated plan. During the patient’s stay at the hospital, we encountered two of the six alternate identities of the patient. The patient revealed she experiences all 7 identities (her true self plus 6 alters) in parallel, recalls the events of each alter, and can intermittently switch between identities; all rare features of dissociative disorders. Conclusion Given our patient’s extensive history of trauma, previous psychiatric diagnoses, and current dissociative presentation, we conclude that a diagnosis of OSDD and defence mechanisms of dissociation and regression may be appropriate. The patient was discharged with clomipramine for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and mood, lurasidone for mood, mirtazapine for mood, insomnia, and appetite stimulation, clonidine for nightmares and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), fludrocortisone for POTS, gabapentin for Generalized Anxiety and fibromyalgia, and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, and counselled to follow up with an outpatient therapist specialising in trauma. This case highlights the impact that childhood physical, sexual, and emotional trauma can have on one’s psychiatric presentation and the complexity of diagnosing dissociative presentations in an inpatient psychiatry setting.

Daniel Kahneman and the concept of the true self

Abstract Kahneman and Tversky's ‘Prospect Theory’ paper famously demolishes expected utility theory as a predictive device. However, it presents deviations from that theory as ‘normatively unacceptable’ and argues that decision-makers would normally correct them when possible. In a later paper, Kahneman rejects a similar argument (the ‘discovered preference’ hypothesis) advanced by Plott. Later still, Kahneman endorses Sunstein and Thaler's ‘libertarian paternalism’, which aims to help people avoid deviating from their ‘true’ preferences. I report an email correspondence between Kahneman and me in which we debated whether his position on libertarian paternalism was consistent with his critique of Plott's hypothesis.

Философское мышление на пути к свободе

The article considers one of the ways to achieve philosophical truth – the inner freedom of the subject. The doctrines of evolutionary epistemology and radical constructivism equate thinking with a means of adaptation. The best thinking is the one, thanks to which the organism survives and leaves maximum offspring. Freedom of thinking in such doctrines is absent, it is determined by the brain and its adaptive tasks. However, at a higher level of analyzing the human personality, one can speak of freedom. Heidegger establishes an inseparable connection be­tween freedom and truth: freedom is “letting beings be”. Only by letting this the cognizing subject can adequately cognize. This requires the renunciation of power, of mastery over the world, of its use as an instrument. Marion argues similarly in the doctrine of the saturated phenomenon. However, this kind of freedom can be called external. The notion of inner freedom is introduced. It is also inseparable from truth, and is now the truth of self-knowledge. Self-knowledge requires non-trivial approaches, as psychoanalysis has shown. The ar­ticle discusses the teaching of D. Winnicott on the true and false self and the theory of E. Ghent of “surrender”. The greatest obstacle to self-knowledge, according to Ghent and other theorists, are psychological defense barriers. They allow us to displace thoughts about ourselves that are unpleasant to us and undermine our self-confidence. In doing so, we alienate ourselves from our true Self. Ghent’s theory of “surrender” describes the breaking down of defense barriers and the in­ner liberation of the Self. Outwardly and inwardly free philosophical thinking is not the proof of a pre-known truth, but wandering (Heidegger). Genuine philo­sophical questioning does not know in advance where it will arrive, but on the way of wandering in a contemplative state it analyzes what is revealed to it

A Study on the English Translation of Fu Ping from the Perspective of Translator Behavior Criticism

Fu Ping is a Chinese novel written by Wang Anyi. It’s a story of the country girl named Fu Ping, who settled down in Shanghai and found her true self. Taking Fu Ping’s life as the perspective, the novel depicts a series of characters who have endured the hardships and yearned for the city life, thus painting a vivid picture of the mundane, delicate, and down-to-earth life of the lower class people in Shanghai. Using Translation Behavior Criticism as the tool, this paper analyses the translator behavior reflected in the English translation of Fu Ping. The translation maintains the Chinese culture of the source language and respects the writing style of the original. At the same time, it considers the readers of the target language, producing a translation which is in accordance with the poetics of the target language.The translation methods, translation strategies and translator behavior of Howard Goldblatt are described and presented on a whole by utilizing the theoretical framework of Zhou Lingshun’ s Translator Behavior Criticism.

The Impact of Trials on the Purification and Elevation of the Soul

In this research, I explored the ways to purify and elevate the soul through various factors, most notably the impact of trials in preserving and elevating the soul. Just as education and moral refinement are crucial for disciplining, thriving, purifying, and reforming the soul, trials also play a significant role in preserving the soul, protecting it from misguidance, and reforming it. Trials contribute to the soul’s ascension in the ranks of servitude to Allah, acceptance of Allah’s decree, and submission to His will. Trials can sometimes serve as expiation for sins, concealing flaws and defects, and at other times they elevate one in the paths of success and righteousness for both individuals and society alike. To understand your true self in your present and past before your burial, observe yourself during times of trials, whether in hardship or ease, in deprivation or abundance. It is in these moments that your true nature, substance, and essence are revealed. Ibn al-Jawzi said: "You will know when the dust clears... whether you are riding a horse or a donkey." It is a well-established fact in religion that the purpose of human existence on this earth is for worship and obedience, and this purpose is achieved through trials. Allah said: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me," meaning: according to the natural disposition upon which Allah created people, whether in happiness or misery. In a lengthy hadith, the Prophet said: "... and prayer is light, charity is proof, patience is illumination, and the Quran is evidence for or against you. Every person starts their day as a vendor of their soul, either freeing it or bringing about its ruin." The only way to live with stability and positivity is through patience in the face of all types of trials. Trials are a part of life, as Allah said: "O mankind, indeed you are laboring toward your Lord with [great] exertion and will meet it," whether this exertion is good or bad, you will encounter it on the Day of Judgment. Every person bears the consequences of their will, choices, and efforts. No one is exempt from this test, hence Allah said: "and will meet it." By this approach, an individual’s character is built and their path clarified. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the concept of trials and tribulations, the difference between these terms, and their outcomes on the purity of the soul and society. This understanding should be utilized for the benefit and development of the community. It is also crucial to understand individual freedom and its limits and to study the philosophy of good and evil, historically referred to as "the creation of actions," to determine responsibility for any actions taken by individuals and to record their movements in light of the reality of the Muslim community and its moderation in all matters. Patience with all types and forms of trials and enduring their consequences in this life and the hereafter is obligatory. I hope I have succeeded in addressing all these points, and our final prayer is that praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

Research on Heidegger's Fundamental Ethics

Based on Heidegger's idea of original ethics, this paper analyzes the state of how Da-sein has being-in-the-world, takes Heidegger's concept of conscience as an entry point, explores the difference between Heidegger's original ethics and traditional ethics, and reflects on what kind of ethics his thought is. From the perspective of ontology, Heidegger takes the being of human as the highest philosophical ontology, inquires deeply into the existence of Da-sein, and explores the relationship between Da-sein and Being. Through the diffusion of the understanding of Potentiality-of-Being of Da-sein, this paper gradually analyzes the basic construction of Da-sein being-in-the-world, under the definition of the structure Being-in is embedded in the world, the existence of Da-sein being-in-the-world unfolds. In the process of understanding the world, Da-sein is thrown into everyday life, losing himself and falling prey, but the true nature of Da-sein keeps calling him, Da-sein listens to the call of its conscience and makes a decision to face death and his true ones self. Starting from the process of alienation from the true self to the untrue self of Da-sein, we analyze Heidegger's basic concept of human-centeredness. What exactly constitutes the Being of Da-sein and how does the existence of Da-sein unfold. Even though many later scholars and Heidegger himself did not consider his thought to be a concept under the banner of ethics, and considered his thought to be contrary to traditional ethics. What is undeniable is that Heidegger's original ethics, with its in-depth exploration of the inner man, greatly expands the definition of universal morality and norms in traditional ethics.

Existential Authenticity, Religiosity, and Mental Health: Age Differences in an Increasingly Secular Society

With the increasing secularization of society, uncertainty exists regarding how this age-related trend may be associated with mental health. Using online surveys, this study examined potential relationships among religiosity (i.e., intrinsic, extrinsic, and quest orientations), existential authenticity (i.e., behaving in ways that align with one’s true self), and mental health (i.e., anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction) among university student (n = 659) and older adult (n = 261) samples. Analyses revealed that among younger adults, intrinsic religiosity was associated with higher authenticity and greater life satisfaction, and authenticity also indirectly linked intrinsic religiosity to each mental health index. However, among older adults, only quest religious orientation was associated with greater authenticity, while authenticity also indirectly linked quest religiosity to each index of mental health. Taken together, these results suggest that religiosity may be differentially associated with mental health as a function of age, in part through uniquely linking to conceptualizations of one’s authentic self.

Trait authenticity as an “enzyme” for personal resources and work engagement: A study among teachers within the framework of the job demands-resources model

IntroductionTrait authenticity has been defined as a dispositional individual difference, and it refers to people's experience of living in accordance with their true Self. Despite research conducted in working contexts has found that trait authenticity is related to people's work engagement, it is not clear if this association may be mediated by other variables. ObjectiveFraming trait authenticity within the job demands-resources model, we hypothesized that trait authenticity allows the release of human full potential in terms of personal resources that, in turn, promote work engagement, especially in highly challenging work settings, such as educational ones. MethodWe administered a self-report questionnaire composed of several measurement scales to 446 teachers working in kindergartens, primary schools, and middle schools. Results and conclusionsA moderated mediation analysis revealed that trait authenticity can promote teachers’ emergence of personal resources, which in turn enhances their work engagement. The study highlights that the role of trait authenticity and personal resources on work engagement acquires a particular salience when teachers face high (vs. low) challenge job demands (i.e., workload), that is when this reservoir of potential is needed the most.

We are the Same Mind! A Study of Zongmi’s Idea of the True Mind

Guifeng Zongmi 圭峯宗密 (780-841) was a prominent Chinese Buddhist scholar who lived during the Tang Dynasty. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of Chinese Buddhism, particularly the Huayan (Flower Garland) and the Chan school. Within his own philosophical framework, Zongmi introduced the concept of the “True Mind of original enlightenment” (benjue zhenxin本覺真心). This paper presents a fresh interpretation of True Mind theories in Buddhism, drawing inspiration from Zongmi’s teachings. The proposed interpretation holds the following: (1) We are the same mind as the cosmic True Mind; (2) The essence of the True Mind is reflexive awareness devoid of content, whereas its conditioned function is reflexive awareness with content. To support this perspective, I characterize awareness as a dynamic activity within the threefold structure of inner time-consciousness. By applying this framework, I argue that the True Mind can be regarded as unchanging because reflexive awareness without content is without the experience of the flow of time. This proposal aims to reconcile the tension between the concept of the permanent True Mind as our True Self and the Buddhist doctrines of universal emptiness and no-self.

조선조 서원과 중세 대학의 출현과정과 그 이념적 토대

The similarities between Confucianism, the ideological foundation of Seowon, and Thomism, the ideology of medieval universities, have already been of interest to academics for a long time. Medieval universities in the 13th century newly interpreted and accepted Aristotle's philosophy, and the active discussion culture of the universities at the time became the driving force behind Thomas Aquinas' unique ‘metaphysics of being.’ These two medieval thoughts share the belief that the fundamental order of the world can be understood and the ultimate reality can be understood through the light of reason. Nevertheless, it is difficult to view the Li that Toegye sought in Seowon education as being equivalent to the Li as a ‘causa exemplaris’ in Thomism. In other words, the characteristics of Seowon education can be read in that the boundary of ‘saintly life’ that Confucian scholars strive to reach is distinct from God as defined in Thomism Looking at specific history, the 16th century Joseon's Seowon has many similarities with the monastic system that appeared from the late 4th century, if only in terms of its moral orientation or religious inclination. Of course, in that a monk pursues an apostolic life (Vita Apostolica) pursuing the spirituality of God, it is strictly distinguished from the Seowon that rejects transcendent divinity. However, there is a consensus in the attitude of valuing abstinence and piety in daily life and valuing practical studies low. On the other hand, medieval universities were the product of an ‘urban institution.’ Cathedral schools and city schools also had secular intentions to meet the needs of society due to population growth and urbanization. In contrast, H. Grundmann, a researcher on medieval universities, views early universities from a more conservative perspective. According to him, early universities were established purely for academic purposes. Scholars with these conservative views say that “universities functioned as houses where ‘wisdom’ could reside on its own.” Meanwhile, the Seowon system is a product of the rural economy. What is outstanding about the early Seowon system is that it neatly presents an intellectual blueprint for finding the ‘true self’ through introspection. The literati’s(⼠) are pursuing a life of seeking ‘sanctity’, which is practical study beyond wisdom. The Seowon functioned as the optimal space to regain the true nature of the human mind through study, to restore one's true self, and finally to reach the world of a saint. Meanwhile, Western society was much more flexible in terms of the possibility of status mobility through school. The fact that intellectuals or readers were granted social privileges was a common phenomenon in the East and West. In medieval Europe, in the early days of the formation of universities, university members were granted privileges equivalent to clergy. However, it is noteworthy that there were a significant number of citizens and farmers who were not nobles. In communes and autonomous cities, representatives of guilds gathered together to run the cities jointly, so universities were naturally under the strong influence of guilds. There were also a significant number of people from paupers. In addition, the fact that universities secured their own autonomy early on helped various academic developments. It is worth noting that students were subject to the jurisdiction of the university, regardless of church law, state law, or city law.

Kierkegaard’s Lesson on Religious Conformism vs. the Current Mainstream Environmentalism

This paper aims to show how Kierkegaard’s attack upon Christendom still works today to contrast current forms of conformism disguised under the appearance of new secular religions. I will start with considering Kierkegaard’s concept of conformism as a form of despair. As such, conformism is incompatible with Christianity, as well as with the development of a true Self. Secondly, I will focus on the current religious scene in Western Europe. While Christianity has become a minority in society, new secular religions have arisen and, along with them, new compelling narratives. Mainstream environmentalism appears to be one of these. Finally, I will try to show how Kierkegaard’s arguments against Christendom can be also applied to environmental propaganda.

Longing for home: Analyzing the trauma in Atiq Rahimi's Earth and Ashes and The Patience Stone

The current research paper deals with reference to the novels Earth and Ashes and The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi, which examines the trauma and suffering experienced by Afghans during and after the war. Despite being fiction, the characters in both novels experience both physical and mental suffering, which accurately captures life in a war zone. Every character wants to leave the conflicting situation because war makes the characters numb. All the major and supporting characters struggle with finding their identities. This paper aims to shed some light on the causes of war and its effects on people. There is a strong feeling of psychological distress evident in the novel as the characters struggle to cope with the loss of their loved ones after their deaths. The burden of oppression by marital, social, and religious norms is very well portrayed. The characters are in search for the true home both inside and outside as they lost their lives in their homeland. Their external search is for a better place to live a typical human life on Earth that is free of war and conflict, while their internal search is for their true selves and identities. The selected novels illustrate how war actually causes trauma for people who are forced to flee their homes and become refugees.

Transcending Otherness: Exploring Symbolism, Fluid Rejection, and Moral Ambiguity in Anosh Irani's The Parcel

The transgender community's historical roots, as affirmed by scholars like Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley in "True Selves," persist throughout history. Despite global recognition, transgenders face enduring challenges in societal acceptance. Indian hijras, emblematic of this struggle, endure oppressive prejudice, lacking essentials and oppressed by systemic bias. Literary representations of transgender experiences are limited, but works like Anosh Irani's The Parcel provide insightful portrayals. The research scrutinizes Irani's work, focusing on its symbolism and the protagonist's turbulent journey amidst rejection, marginalisation and ethical dilemmas. Through Irani's narrative, profound insights emerge into the resilient spirit of transgender individuals confronting societal adversity. Despite strides, true equality remains elusive for the community. This article analyses and summarizes the symbolism in The Parcel by analysing static symbols such as characters, objects, occurrences , as well as dynamic symbol such as dialogue, behaviour, and thoughts, in order to further elaborate the role of symbolism in The Parcel in promoting the context of the text. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of their struggles, shedding light on the unyielding resilience exhibited by transgender individuals across societal challenges.

A Study on Izzy’s Existential Predicament and Growth in Little Fires Everywhere from the Perspective of Spatial Criticism

Little Fires Everywhere is a novel written by contemporary writer Celeste Ng in 2017. The novel portrays a stubborn and sensitive, brave and bold little girl—Izzy. She has been living in a repressed physical space for a long time, suffering from the control and contempt of family members as well as the isolation and ostracism of teachers and classmates in the social space, which eventually led to the alienation of her psychological space. Later, in the process of communicating with her tenant, Izzy’s shriveled heart is ignited. She sees different lifestyles, captures the meaning of life, and begins to defend freedom and seek her true self in an extremely rebellious way. Finally, she achieves transformation and growth in psychological space and achieves self-redemption in a rigid world. This paper employs spatial criticism theory to analyze the existential predicament Izzy confronts in various spaces and her resistance from three dimensions: the mundane physical space, the oppressive social space, and the estranged psychological space. The aim is to illuminate to readers that only through persistent rebellion can individuals shatter the constraints of space and attain true freedom in the face of repression and injustice.