Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Date of Submission

2024-09-04

Advisor

Mariam Aziz, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration

Committee

Palvashay Sethi, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Open Access

Keywords

Studio Ghibli, Therapeutic Impact, Resilience, Healing, Magical Realism

Abstract

This interdisciplinary project investigates the therapeutic impact of Studio Ghibli films, with a particular focus on themes of resilience and healing. By conducting an in-depth analysis of My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), and Princess Mononoke (1997), the study examines how director Hayao Miyazaki employs motifs such as magical realism, transcendental beauty, and the interconnectedness of humans and nature to craft narratives that evoke profound emotional responses. These motifs not only shape the narrative structure but also create immersive experiences that facilitate emotional catharsis, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Drawing on narrative psychology, Japanese aesthetics, and visual studies, this research explores how Miyazaki’s films offer viewers a therapeutic space for introspection and personal growth, highlighting the transformative potential of animation as a medium. Through a combination of qualitative methods, including visual analysis and audience analysis via surveys and interviews, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the themes of resilience and healing resonate with viewers, eliciting emotional, cognitive, and social responses that contribute to overall well-being. This interdisciplinary approach bridges media studies and psychology, offering a holistic exploration of the therapeutic capacities of animated storytelling.

Pages

95

Download

Share

COinS