The Protagonist's Inner Conflict in the Novel Assalamualaikum Baitullah by Asma Nadia: An Abraham Maslow Humanistic Psychology Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to describe the forms of inner conflict experienced by the main character and to analyze these conflicts based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in the novel Assalamualaikum Baitullah by Asma Nadia. This study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method and literary psychology analysis. The data source of this research is the novel Assalamualaikum Baitullah by Asma Nadia, while the research data consist of quotations that represent the main character’s inner conflicts. Data collection was conducted through reading and note-taking techniques, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman data analysis model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study indicate that the main character’s inner conflicts are represented through five levels of needs in Abraham Maslow’s theory, namely physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Conflicts related to physiological needs are reflected through health problems and biological necessities, while safety needs are represented through anxiety about health conditions, family relationships, and the future. Love and belonging needs are reflected through the loss of affection and emotional support, whereas esteem needs are shown through decreased self-confidence and self-worth. Meanwhile, self-actualization needs appear through the main character’s efforts to develop her potential, discover the meaning of life, and rise from various hardships. The findings reveal that the main character’s inner conflicts develop gradually according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and influence the process of her personality development.