Superhero movies have a lot more to offer than just entertainment. While they tell stories of heroes with superhuman powers fighting against villains, these films also impart important life lessons. As we eagerly await the return of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel in The Marvels, releasing on November 10, let’s explore the mental health benefits of superhero movies.
The Impact of Superhero Movies on Mental Health
Superhero movies, inspired by characters from Marvel and DC comic books, take us on an emotional journey filled with deaths, friendships, love, and epic battles between superheroes and supervillains. These narratives and characters help us learn valuable life lessons.
A study published in the International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work in 2016 revealed that conversations about superhero films and comic book protagonists benefited members of a peer support group. These conversations empowered them to see themselves as heroes in their own stories, find strength in their struggles, and discover meaning and purpose.
Mental Health Benefits of Watching Superhero Movies
The impact of movies on mental health varies depending on the genre. According to Dr. Ashish Gambre, a Consultant Psychiatrist at SRV Hospitals, movies can serve as a source of entertainment, relaxation, and inspiration, while also influencing emotions and perceptions. So, how do superhero movies contribute to mental well-being? Here are some ways:
1. Motivation
Superhero films provide motivation and inspiration to their audience. They encourage viewers to strive for their goals and believe in their own abilities.
2. Spark Imagination
Movies, especially superhero movies, can ignite imagination and creativity. The fantastical elements and extraordinary abilities of superheroes can inspire viewers to think outside the box.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
Superhero characters often display intelligence and are adept at solving complex problems. Watching them can encourage viewers to find creative solutions to their own challenges.
4. Strengthen Family Bonds
Superhero movies cater to a wide range of age groups, making them perfect for strengthening family bonds. Families can enjoy these movies together, and the storylines often highlight the importance of family relationships.
The Power of Superhero Therapy
Superheroes have such a powerful influence that even experts endorse superhero therapy. This approach involves incorporating stories or characters from popular books, TV shows, movies, and video games into evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Superhero therapy helps individuals with mild anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder by teaching them how to accept negative thoughts and relate to fictional superheroes who have overcome their own struggles.
Potential Side Effects
Like anything else, excessive consumption of superhero movies can have negative consequences. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:
– Unrealistic Expectations: Excessive viewing may create unrealistic expectations in life.
– Sedentary Lifestyle: Spending too much time watching movies can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity.
– Increased Aggression: The violence and action depicted in these films can potentially increase aggression in some viewers.
– Imitating Dangerous Stunts: Children may try to imitate the stunts performed by superheroes, resulting in serious injuries.
It’s important to enjoy superhero movies in moderation and prioritize a healthy mental state. Just like Captain America fights bad guys all day, we should practice moderation in our movie consumption.
