Psychology Movies: Exploring The Relationship Between Movies And Psychology

The psychology movies page is designed to explore the different levels at which psychology in movies has been examined, researched and discussed.

The inextricable link between movies and psychology is an obvious one when you consider that when you watch a film you are nearly always observing human behavior in its many ways shapes and forms. As Don Delillo noted "Film is more than the twentieth-century art. It’s another part of the twentieth-century mind".

One of the main reasons I wanted to do a psychology movies page was so that I could show one my all time favorite Youtube videos, enjoy.

Lots of classic feel good movies there, which leads us very nicely into the first movies and psychology topic area.

Movie Therapy

According to the Zur Institute the idea behind movie therapy (also known as cinema therapy, film therapy and reel therapy) is that clients learn to watch movies constructively so that they can reflect and pay attention to both the story and to themselves. In doing so, they can to learn to understand themselves and others much more objectively. The following quote from the Zur Institute explains the thinking underpinning this therapeutic philosophy.

"Movies affect many of us powerfully because the combined impact of images, music, dialogue, lighting, sound and special effects can elicit deep feelings and help us reflect on our lives. They can help us to better understand our own lives, the lives of those around us and even how our society and culture operate. They can shed light on political and spiritual matters too and can provide catharsis and perspective and may open our eyes to new ways of thinking, feeling and pursuing our lives. There are many ways to harness the power of movies to heal, grow and change. Movies have been used as an adjunct to psychotherapy and counseling as well as by themselves."

The Zur Institute runs an online course in cinema therapy with provides American Psychological Association (APA) Continuing Education (CE) Credits forPsychologists.

Regardless of whether you are interested in doing the course, it's worth reading the course description, objectives and syllabus to get a real feel for the theory and practice of movie therapy.

Reel Therapy: Using fiction as a clinical tool. Film and movies can be a form of therapy. This is the title of an insightful article written by John W. Hesley for Psychology Today.

Psychology in The Movies: An Accurate Portrayal?

Psychology has always been a popular topic within the movies; however, there has been concern raised within the discipline that its portrayal in general along with that of psychologists and psychological disorders has been far from accurate on the whole.

Indeed, such was the concern that back in 1998 members of the media psychology division of the American Psychological Society established a Media Watch Committee to examine the way psychologists, particularly therapists were portrayed in movies, television shows and books.

I state on the what is psychology page that there is confusion surrounding what psychology actually is and there is no doubt that this is in part (some would say in large part) because of its misrepresentation in the popular media.

Next time you watch a movie with a psychological theme; why not consider, reflect upon and research whether its an accurate portrayal. It's one of the most enjoyable ways I know of learning more about psychology.

Excellent Psychology Movies Links

Comprehensive website hosted and maintained by Brooke J. Cannon of Marywood University in Pennsylvania who has classified hundreds of films dealing with psychological issues. Dr Cannon has also written a number of very interesting articles relating to psychology in film which can accessed via the site.

When you visit PsychMovies make sure you vote for the best and worst movie portrayals of mental illness and its treatment. If you would like to check out the nominees and cast your vote now, you can do so by clicking Here

The Media Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association focuses on the roles psychologists play in various aspects of the media, including, but not limited to, radio, television, film, video, newsprint, magazines, and newer technologies.

Recommended Reading

Positive Psychology At The Movies: Using Films to Build Virtues and Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec & Danny Wedding

Movies are a powerful and enjoyable medium for learning. This book shows exactly how to use film to learn about the concepts and the real-life benefits of positive psychology, both for self-improvement and in classes or seminars.

Positive psychology is a science concerned with strengths and virtues, particularly those that lead to fulfillment, connectedness, and meaning in life. Drawing on the authors vast experience of teaching, movie discussion groups, and with patients, Positive Psychology at the Movies combines research-based advice on how to improve life and flourish with clear explanations of the scientific background using movies to exemplify, illuminate, and inspire.

Share Your Thoughts

As I mentioned at the beginning, the psychology movies page is designed to explore the different levels at which psychology in movies has been examined, researched and discussed, and I'd love to know what you think.

Sharing your thoughts couldn't be easier, simply fill out the Movie Psychology 2.0 form below and you'll be a published guest author on the All About psychology Website in no time.

Upon receipt of your submission, I will cast a quick eye over it to make sure it's relevant and do the odd edit if required e.g. turning a website URL into a live link.

I'll then publish your contribution which will appear as a link at the bottom of this page, just under the Movie Psychology 2.0 submission form where it says "Previously Submitted Movie Psychology 2.0 Contributions."

Movie Psychology 2.0

Click on the links below to read the Movie Psychology 2.0 contributions in full.

Reel Therapy
Just like to recommend a book I read and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of years ago:

Reel Therapy: How Movies Inspire You to Overcome Life's Problems ...

The Hannibal Movies Not rated yet
I feel that Hannibal movies are a great look in the psychopaths mind. The lastest movie gives a look in to his childhood to explain his actions. All of ...

Movie Montages Not rated yet
I'm glad you enjoyed "Why People Love Movies." I made the video. I have a new Youtube site up with a few more movie montages such as "Why People Love Adventure ...