Faith Zabek from UVA explains how the film mirrors real-life adolescent emotional development

This summer, Pixar’s animated film “Inside Out 2” captivated audiences worldwide, breaking box office records. The film follows Riley, a teenager experiencing the tumultuous period of adolescence, introducing new emotions such as envy, embarrassment, and anxiety. Faith Zabek, a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development’s Youth-Nex research centre, explains how the film accurately portrays the complexity of emotions during early adolescence.

In “Inside Out 2,” Riley navigates the rollercoaster of teenage emotions, providing a poignant and relatable story for viewers. Zabek highlights that this period is characterized by rapid physical, social, and emotional growth. Adolescents like Riley undergo significant changes not only in their bodies but also in their brains, cognition, motivations, and needs. These changes lead to heightened social awareness and influence from peers, shifting the focus from family-centric relationships to social interactions.

The film resonates with many because it effectively captures the essence of this critical developmental stage. Zabek notes that the neurological changes in adolescents contribute to more complex, abstract, and social thinking. This cognitive evolution helps young people form a sense of identity and understand their place in the world. The emotional changes during this period include increased self-consciousness, embarrassment, guilt, and anxiety, often driven by hormonal fluctuations that result in emotional extremes.

Zabek underscores the importance of adult support during this time. Adults should create a space for adolescents to experience distressing emotions and encourage them to understand and respond to what these emotions communicate. For instance, anxiety about an upcoming test can signal the need to study, while boredom can prompt creativity and exploration of interests. Instead of shielding teens from distressing emotions, adults should help them recognize, tolerate, and proactively respond to these feelings. This approach builds confidence and equips teens with the skills needed to cope with life’s challenges.

Movies like “Inside Out 2” serve as valuable tools for families and caregivers. They normalize the experiences of adolescence, showing teens and parents that the changes and challenges they face are expected parts of development. Zabek suggests that these films can open doors for conversations about emotions and experiences. As a former school psychologist, she often used movies like “Inside Out” to help kids identify and communicate their emotions. By sharing their own experiences and encouraging teens to do the same, adults can foster an environment of understanding and support.

Analysis:

Political: The release of “Inside Out 2” and its focus on adolescent emotional development can influence political discourse on mental health education and resources in schools. Politicians might use the film’s popularity to advocate for policies that support mental health programs, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence education. This could lead to increased funding for school counsellors and programs aimed at helping teenagers navigate their emotions.

Social: “Inside Out 2” mirrors societal debates about the importance of mental health awareness. The film’s success underscores a growing recognition of the complexities of adolescent emotions and the need for open conversations about mental health. It also challenges the stigma around discussing mental health issues, encouraging society to view emotional struggles as a normal part of development rather than a sign of weakness.

Racial: The film’s portrayal of a diverse array of emotions in a relatable teenage character like Riley can resonate with adolescents from various racial backgrounds. However, it also opens up discussions about the unique emotional challenges faced by teenagers of different races. Society must consider how racial identity impacts emotional development and ensure that mental health resources are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Gender: “Inside Out 2” brings to light the different ways boys and girls experience and express emotions during adolescence. The film can spark conversations about gender norms and the pressures adolescents face in conforming to societal expectations. Showcasing Riley’s journey, it encourages a broader understanding of how gender influences emotional experiences and the importance of supporting all teens, regardless of gender, in their emotional growth.

Economical: The film’s success at the box office highlights the economic impact of media that addresses significant social issues like mental health. It demonstrates the potential profitability of content that resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level. This success might encourage other filmmakers to create more content focused on mental health, leading to a broader cultural shift in how these topics are portrayed and discussed.