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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Summary

00:00

Analyzing Disney Relationships: Love, Betrayal, Boundaries

  • Laura Heck, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Lars, a certified Gottman therapist, analyze classic Disney relationships.
  • Anna, a princess, becomes infatuated with Prince Hans, who proposes to her the same day they meet.
  • Elsa, Anna's sister, disapproves of Hans, who turns out to be cruel and manipulative, using Anna to become king.
  • Elsa, despite being portrayed as a jerk, sets boundaries, which is crucial in relationships.
  • Limerence, fueled by adrenaline and novelty, can cloud judgment in the early stages of a relationship.
  • Elsa, who has spent most of her life alone, lacks a social network for feedback in relationships.
  • John Gottman emphasizes that betrayal is a significant factor in struggling relationships.
  • Snow White's story perpetuates the idea of love at first sight, which may not reflect the reality of relationships.
  • Ariel sacrifices her voice to be with Prince Eric, raising questions about compromising core values in relationships.
  • Belle and the Beast's story highlights the evolution and softening that can occur in relationships, despite initial challenges.

13:32

Disney's Evolution: Love as a Skill

  • Belle is shown to make her own choices, not being manipulated, and her love for the Beast is earned and learned, not just based on superficial qualities like singing ability.
  • 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.
  • Relationships can lead to personal transformation, as seen in the idea that partnering with a secure individual can change one's attachment style over time.
  • The presence of antiques in the house in Disney movies often represents different facets of social networks or support systems, acting as therapists for the characters.
  • In "The Incredibles," Bob and Helen Parr, former superheroes, return to their past for one mission, involving their entire family and showcasing their strengths to win the day.
  • Conflict between Bob and Helen in "The Incredibles" is portrayed realistically, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts in a healthy manner, especially in front of children.
  • 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.
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