A new study from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing is using popular superhero films to discuss childhood trauma and mental health with children. By analyzing characters from Marvel and DC movies, the researchers applied clinical questionnaires used to measure adverse childhood experiences (ACE) to both superheroes and villains, hoping to find patterns that could spark important conversations with young audiences.
The ACE questionnaire helps clinicians identify potentially traumatic events in a child’s life, such as abuse or neglect. Initially, the researchers believed that characters with higher ACE scores would be more likely to become villains. However, they found no clear link between childhood trauma and whether a character turned out to be a hero or a villain. This finding challenges the idea that past trauma determines one’s future actions, suggesting instead that it’s the choices a person makes that matter most.
Dr. Jennifer Jackson, one of the study’s co-authors, explained that using superhero movies as a way to discuss difficult topics like childhood trauma could be a helpful tool in engaging children. “It’s a non-confrontational, non-threatening method,” she said. “And it might even be inspiring for children who face tough situations, showing them that, like Batman, they too can overcome their challenges.”
The study looked at 28 characters from 33 different films, ensuring a mix of heroes and villains from both Marvel and DC universes, as well as diversity in gender and race. Among the characters examined were well-known figures like Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Shang-Chi, Black Panther, and Loki. The study found that both heroes and villains had a similar distribution of ACE scores, showing that trauma does not always lead to negative outcomes.
One notable finding was that Black Widow, who has the highest ACE score, is a hero, while Loki, raised in privilege, chose to become a villain. This suggests that a character’s actions are more influenced by their personal choices rather than their traumatic past. As Dr. Jackson noted, the study demonstrates that people can choose to overcome their difficulties, offering hope to children who may face their own challenges.
The study’s results also highlight the increasing diversity of superheroes. “It’s great to see more diverse characters,” said Dr. Jackson, noting that it allows children to relate to heroes who look like them and come from different backgrounds. This kind of representation in superhero films can help foster a sense of hope and inspiration for young audiences facing their own struggles.
Overall, this unique approach to mental health education shows how the fictional world of superheroes can be used to address real-life issues, helping children understand and talk about trauma and resilience in a way that is engaging and supportive.
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