Therapeutic Economies

Project Name

Therapeutic Economies: The Representation of Trauma, Recovery and Transcendence in Phenomena of Mass Media

Short Abstract

This project investigates the depiction of trauma, recovery, and transcendence in the global media and media-embedded phenomena of popular as well as everyday culture. By examining these themes historically and systematically, the research aims at observing and analyzing the ways in which mass media employ various strategies to address underlying social and cognitive-emotional issues and thus might serve as powerful tools in pragmatic therapeutic processes, both for realist yet profound understandings of historically disheartening developments such as trauma and mental health problems. The project employs interdisciplinary methodologies, from phenomenological experience through empiric inquiries, qualitative and quantitative approaches, until hermeneutic interpretation and comparative analysis, with the goal of transcending area studies and discipline-bound discourses. The findings will enhance prevailing frameworks of conceptualizing and addressing mass media’s role in shaping therapeutic elaborations as well as their potential as tools for mental health advocacy, engagement and treatment, while considering the role of key actors in the industry and unveiling common fallacies related to the ubiquity of mass media.

Long Abstract

The representation of trauma, recovery, and transcendence in mass media, from live-action movies through theater, animation and AI-generated contents, has profound implications for societal perceptions of mental health and therapeutic practices. This research project focuses on global media such as Hollywood cinema, Japanese as well as Western animation, exploring the ways in which these media forms depict psychological struggles and healing processes. The study will analyze both historical and contemporary works, considering the socio-cultural contexts in which they were created. It will also explore the therapeutic potential of these media forms, addressing misconceptions and highlighting their role in contemporary digital and virtual ecosystems. The project aims to contribute to the broader understanding of media’s role in societal healing processes and individual psychological resilience. For instance, taking as a paradigmatic example, Japanese animation, it is well documented that, historically, Japanese animation has included complex, nuanced portrayals of trauma and recovery, often incorporating elements of Japanese culture and philosophy. In contrast, Western animation, traditionally aimed at children, has gradually evolved in recent years to address more mature themes and sophisticated narratives.

This project will employ a multifaceted methodological approach, combining media analysis, psychological theories, and cultural studies to examine a selection of influential global media outlets. By employing interdisciplinary methodologies, including narrative analysis, psychoanalytic theory, and cultural studies, the investigative procedure seeks to understand the ways in which these themes are constructed and received by audiences and whether they align with or diverge from real-life therapeutic practices and psychological theories. Key theoretical frameworks will include trauma theory, recovery theory, and media theory, while practices will focus on narrative analysis and audience reception studies.

Thus, by systematically comparing global media-promoted and -reinforced phenomena, the project aims to uncover cultural differences and similarities in the portrayal of trauma and recovery. In addition, it will examine the impact of these representations on audiences, considering factors such as empathy, stigma reduction, and therapeutic inspiration. The findings will contribute to the broader discourse on the therapeutic potential of mass media and its role in shaping cultural understandings of mental health.

Detailed Description

Introduction and Background

The project titled “Therapeutic Economies: The Representation of Trauma, Recovery, and Transcendence in Phenomena of Mass Media” aims to explore the intricate ways in which phenomena of the global media depict the psychological processes of trauma, recovery, and transcendence. One important focus will will be on Japanese cultural media such as animation (anime) and comics (manga), Takarazuka Revue due to their rich history and cultural significance, and on Western animation/comics, live-action cinema and musical industry, in order to highlight cross-cultural differences and similarities.

For instance, while Japanese animation has been a global cultural force in recent decades, influencing and reflecting societal changes and individual experiences, with themes of trauma, recovery, and transcendence recurrent in its productions and deeply resonating deeply with audiences, Western animation, while different in style and narrative approach, equally addresses these themes, providing a solid ground for comparative analysis: this project will explore the ways in which these themes are represented in both cultural contexts, considering historical and systematic orchestrations.

Current and Past Research Situation

Research on the depiction of trauma and the therapeutic potential of media has grown, with significant contributions from media psychology and cultural studies, but it has primarily focused on live-action movies, theater and literature. At the same time, animation offers unique narrative and aesthetic possibilities that warrant closer examination: previous studies have explored themes of trauma in specific Japanese animation products (e.g., Neo-Genesis Evangelion, The Grave of the Fireflies), but a comprehensive, systematic analysis that includes comparative studies with Western animation is lacking. Similarly, Western animation’s evolution in addressing mature themes, as seen in productions like Bojack Horseman and Encanto, has not been extensively compared to Japanese animation’s treatment of similar themes. This project aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive and systematic analysis.

Goals of the Project

To understand through deep analytical investigation the ways in which trauma, recovery, and transcendence are represented in global media with a focus on Japanese and Western animation products.
To explore the therapeutic potential and limitations of these media forms.
To compare and contrast the narrative strategies and cultural contexts between Japanese and Western animation.
To examine the impact of these representations on audiences’ perceptions of mental health and therapeutic processes.
To provide a comparative cultural analysis that highlights both universal and culturally specific elements.
To contribute to the academic discourses on the media’s role in societal healing processes as well as the therapeutic potential of mass media.

Methodologies

The research will utilize an interdisciplinary approach, combining methodologies from media studies, psychology, and cultural studies, in a mixed-methodological approach which encompasses phenomenological experience, empiric inquiries, quantitative and qualitative assessment of the data collected in the field, hermeneutic interpretation and comparative analysis:

Media Analysis: Close reading and narrative analysis of selected anime and Western animations to identify themes, narrative structures, and aesthetic techniques.
Psychological Theory: Application of trauma theory, recovery theory, and related psychological frameworks to analyze characters’ psychological journeys.
Cultural Studies: Examination of cultural contexts and influences on the depiction of trauma and recovery, considering factors such as historical events, societal attitudes, and philosophical traditions.
Audience Reception Studies: Surveys and interviews with audiences to understand the impact of these representations on their perceptions of mental health and therapeutic processes.

Narrative Analysis: Examining story arcs, character development, and thematic motifs in selected anime and Western animation series.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Applying concepts from Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis to understand the symbolic representation of trauma and recovery.
Comparative Analysis: Identifying and comparing the treatment of themes across different cultural and production contexts.

Literature Review: Comprehensive review of existing academic literature on trauma theory, media psychology, and cultural studies.
Content Analysis: Systematic analysis of selected animation series and films.
Workshops and Seminars: Engaging with scholars and practitioners to discuss findings and gather feedback.

Layers of Research

Theories:

Trauma Theory: Utilizing works by Cathy Caruth and others to understand how trauma is depicted and processed in animation.
Media Psychology: Exploring the psychological impact of media consumption on audiences, with a focus on therapeutic effects.
Transmedia Storytelling: Analyzing how narratives are extended across different media platforms, contributing to the themes of recovery and transcendence.

Practices:

Case Studies: Detailed analysis of specific Japanese and Western animation products known for their portrayal of trauma and recovery (e.g., Neo-Genesis Evangelion, Attack on Titan, BoJack Horseman, Encanto).
Interviews: Conducting interviews with creators, critics, and audiences to gather diverse perspectives on the impact of these themes.
Archival Research: Exploring historical archives to trace the evolution of thematic representations.

Phenomena:

Virtual Solidarities: Examining online communities and fan practices that form around media texts dealing with trauma and recovery.
Creative Industries: Understanding the role of animation studios and production houses in shaping and promoting these themes.

Actors:

Creators: Directors, writers, and animators who develop these themes in their works.
Audiences: Fans and viewers who engage with and are impacted by these themes.
Critics and Scholars: Analysts who interpret and critique the representations in media.

Fallacies:

Therapeutic Overreach: Addressing the misconception that media can fully substitute for professional therapy.
Cultural Homogenization: Challenging the notion that all representations of trauma and recovery are universally received in the same way.

Time-Schedule 2024-2028

Year 1: Literature Review and Methodology Development
- Conduct initial literature review
- Develop research methodologies
- Select case studies
Year 2-3: Data Collection and Analysis
- Perform content analysis of selected animations
- Conduct audience surveys and interviews
- Begin comparative analysis
Year 4-5: Synthesis and Dissemination
- Synthesize findings into a comprehensive report
- Present findings at academic conferences
- Publish articles, a final monograph and an edited volume

Throughout the entire project, international workshops with global outreach will be organized, online, in-presence and/or hybrid, open to the general audiences.

Outcomes and Dissemination

The project aims to produce several key outcomes:

Scholarly Articles and Academic Publications: Publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals; monographs; edited volumes.
Conference Presentations: Presentation of findings at international conferences.
Public Engagement: Engaging with broader audiences through public lectures and media appearances, such as the development of websites to share insights with a broader audience, including educators, mental health professionals, and media enthusiasts.
Workshops: Conducting workshops to share findings with practitioners, educators and mental health professionals on using various types of media as tools for discussing trauma and recovery.

Long-Term Impact

The project’s long-term impact is the enhancement of our understanding of media’s role in psychological resilience and societal healing as well as of the ways in which mass media can influence societal perceptions of mental health and therapeutic processes: by highlighting the therapeutic potential of media phenomena, the research aims to promote its use as a resource in educational and recovery contexts. It will provide valuable insights for creators, educators, and policymakers, promoting the use of media as a tool for therapeutic engagement. Additionally, it will contribute to the academic discourse on the cultural specificity of trauma representation and recovery narratives. As a bonus, the comparative analysis between Western and non-Western such as Japanese media expressions will foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of different narrative approaches to trauma and healing. This comprehensive research project will delve deeply into the therapeutic dimensions of mass media, offering valuable insights for policy-makers, scholars, practitioners, and the general public alike.

Bibliography

Caruth, C. (1996). Unclaimed Experience: Trauma, Narrative, and History. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Cavallaro, D. (2010). Anime and the Art of Adaptation: Eight Famous Works from Page to Screen. McFarland.

Cohen, J. (2001). Defining Identification: A Theoretical Look at the Identification of Audiences with Media Characters. Mass Communication & Society, 4(3), 245-264.

Fisher, M., & Smith, G. (2006). The Psychology of the Simpsons: D’oh!. Smart Pop.

Fisher, M. (2017). The Weird and the Eerie. Repeater Books.

Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Translated by James Strachey. Norton.

Gee, J. P. (2007). What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy. Griffin.

Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence. Basic Books.

Jenkins, H. (2006a). Fans, Bloggers, and Gamers: Exploring Participatory Culture. NYU Press.

Jenkins, H. (2006b). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. NYU Press.

Mitchell, J. (2000). Mad Men and Medusas. Penguin Books.

McCloud, S. (1994). Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. William Morrow Paperbacks.

Saito, T. (2011). Beautiful Fighting Girl. Translated by J. Keith Vincent and Dawn Lawson. University of Minnesota Press.

Stahl, R. (2010). Militainment, Inc.: War, Media, and Popular Culture. Routledge.