Traumatic experiences can have significant psychological impacts on individuals, including affecting their self-perception, worldview, and ability to cope with stressors. Media narratives play an important role in shaping these effects, as they influence how viewers process, interpret, and respond to such experiences. This article examines how different media representations of trauma and resilience influence audience members' identities, judgments, and emotions. It explores various forms of trauma depicted in television shows, films, and books that can create powerful reactions among viewers and readers. The article also discusses the moral implications of these narratives, highlighting ethical considerations related to portrayals of trauma.
It provides recommendations for creating more accurate and meaningful media representations that promote mental health awareness and understanding.
Narratives of Trauma
The term "trauma" is often used loosely, referring to any emotionally distressing experience that causes lasting psychological harm.
Research defines trauma as exposure to an event or series of events that exceeds one's capacity to cope, resulting in a disruption of normal functioning (Briere & Scott, 2016). Common examples include natural disasters, military combat, physical assault, sexual abuse, and serious illness. Individuals who experience trauma may exhibit symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality (Ouimette et al., 2018).
Many traumas occur outside of one's control, making them difficult to anticipate or prevent. Media narratives provide important insights into what happens when individuals face extreme adversity. They help audiences understand how others have coped with similar experiences and offer hope for recovery and resilience.
The character Jake from Netflix's Stranger Things survives being possessed by a paranormal force, but he struggles with flashbacks and nightmares afterward. The show explores how his family and friends support him through therapy and counseling, helping him process his trauma and move forward. These narratives can inspire viewers who have experienced similar traumas, providing a sense of solidarity and validation.
Resilience
While media depictions of trauma are commonplace, portrayals of resilience are less frequent. Resilience refers to the ability to recover and thrive despite adverse circumstances, adapting to new environments and finding meaning in life even after experiencing significant loss (Masten, 2007). It is an active process that requires deliberate effort, self-awareness, and support from others. Individuals who demonstrate resilience often possess qualities like optimism, flexibility, creativity, and social connectedness (Werner & Smith, 2002).
These attributes are not innate; they must be cultivated over time.
One such story is The Shawshank Redemption, which follows Andy Dufresne as he navigates prison life while maintaining hope and integrity. His journey involves both triumphs and setbacks, showing viewers how resilience can take many forms. Despite facing harsh conditions, Andy maintains his dignity and composure, eventually escaping with the help of his fellow prisoners. This film shows that even in seemingly hopeless situations, individuals can find strength and purpose by persevering, collaborating, and staying true to their values.
Narrative Impact
Media narratives can shape viewers' understanding of trauma and resilience, influencing their identities, judgments, and emotional responses. These effects vary depending on factors like age, gender, cultural background, and prior experiences (Green et al., 2016).
Younger audiences may internalize media messages about resilience more than older ones, seeing it as a viable path to success and wellbeing (Graffam et al., 2018). Similarly, women may be more influenced by stories featuring female characters struggling to overcome adversity due to societal expectations for feminine vulnerability (Evans & Gould-Hagstrom, 2020).
These narratives can also impact moral judgment, prompting viewers to evaluate different types of suffering and coping strategies. Some depictions glorify toughness or stoicism without acknowledging the psychological consequences of enduring harm. Others portray victims as weak or powerless, suggesting they lack agency over their lives and decisions. Audiences must consider these nuances when interpreting media representations of trauma and resilience, considering how such narratives influence public attitudes toward mental health and victimization.
Media narratives of trauma and resilience are powerful tools for promoting mental health awareness and empathy. They help audiences understand how others cope with adversity, fostering compassion and solidarity among viewers.
These narratives should be accurate and balanced, avoiding simplistic or stereotypical portrayals that reinforce negative attitudes towards survivors. Instead, producers should create diverse and complex stories that explore the full range of human experience, including the challenges and triumphs of recovery. By doing so, they can promote mental health literacy and empower individuals to seek support when needed. In sum, media narratives play a crucial role in shaping identities, judgments, and emotional responses related to trauma and resilience.
How do narratives of trauma and resilience in media shape identification, moral judgment, and emotional responses?
Traumatic experiences can have significant effects on individuals' identities, moral judgments, and emotional responses. Media narratives that depict stories of survivors who overcome adversity and tragedy, such as natural disasters, violence, and war, can inspire viewers by highlighting the power of resilience and hope.