Therapists Review Disney Relationships, from 'Frozen' to 'The Little Mermaid' | Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair・2 minutes read
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Laura Heck and certified Gottman Therapist Lars analyze classic Disney relationships, highlighting themes of boundaries, betrayal, limerence, and personal transformation. The evolution of Disney's portrayal of relationships demonstrates a more nuanced view, emphasizing that love is a skill that requires effort and work to maintain.
Insights
- Setting boundaries, as demonstrated by Elsa, is crucial in relationships to establish healthy dynamics and protect oneself from potential harm or manipulation.
- Disney's evolving portrayal of relationships emphasizes that love is a skill that can be developed and learned, challenging the notion of love at first sight and highlighting the importance of personal growth and transformation within relationships.
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Recent questions
What is limerence in relationships?
Limerence is a state of infatuation fueled by adrenaline and novelty that can cloud judgment in the early stages of a relationship. It often involves intense feelings of attachment and obsession towards another person, leading to idealization and a desire for reciprocation. This term highlights the intense emotional experience that can occur when someone is romantically interested in another individual.
How does John Gottman view struggling relationships?
John Gottman emphasizes that betrayal is a significant factor in struggling relationships. He believes that trust is crucial in maintaining a healthy and strong relationship, and when betrayal occurs, it can severely damage the foundation of the partnership. Gottman's research focuses on the importance of building trust, communication, and emotional connection to foster long-lasting and fulfilling relationships.
What does the presence of antiques represent in Disney movies?
The presence of antiques in Disney movies often represents different facets of social networks or support systems, acting as therapists for the characters. These antiques can symbolize the characters' connections to their past, family history, or relationships, providing them with guidance, wisdom, and emotional support. In a way, these antiques serve as a metaphor for the characters' internal growth and development throughout their journeys.
How does Belle's relationship with the Beast evolve?
Belle and the Beast's story highlights the evolution and softening that can occur in relationships, despite initial challenges. Belle is shown to make her own choices and not be manipulated, earning and learning to love the Beast for who he is beyond superficial qualities. The Beast's transformation is tied to his ability to love an individual, emphasizing that love is a skill that can be developed and learned over time through mutual understanding, respect, and growth.
What is the core message behind Disney's portrayal of relationships?
The evolution of Disney's portrayal of relationships over time reflects a more realistic and nuanced view, emphasizing that love is a skill that requires effort and work to maintain. Through various characters and storylines, Disney showcases the importance of communication, trust, personal growth, and mutual respect in fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships. This shift in narrative highlights the complexities of love and the journey towards building strong and lasting connections with others.
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