Inside Out: Emotional Truths by Way of Pixar
"inside out" proves true to cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology..
Posted June 24, 2015 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina
Dr. Janina Scarlet reviewed the film Inside Out and wanted to share her thoughts with Psychology Today readers. by Janina Scarlet
Inside Out is a movie I’d been waiting for a year to see and, once again, Pixar did not disappoint. This is a movie I’m going to be assigning to many of my patients and doctoral students as a way to demonstrate important psychological principles.
Warning: some spoilers of the movie ahead.
The movie is about an 11-year-old girl, Riley, originally from Minnesota, who moves to San Francisco with her parents. The leading characters of the movie, however, aren’t Riley and her family, but Riley’s primary emotions: Happiness (Joy), Sadness, Fear , Anger , and Disgust. These emotions demonstrate what it might be like in the mind of an 11-year-old girl who struggles with having to move to a different city, away from her friends, away from her hockey league, and has a hard time pretending to be happy for her parents.
What’s really powerful about this film is how accurate it is to cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology. The 5 emotions used in this film are in fact 5 of the 6 scientifically validated universal emotions (the 6th one being surprise). Psychologist and scientist, Paul Ekman, is most known for his work with universal emotions as he traveled around the world and found that these were present in every culture and presented in the same way through the same facial expressions around the world. Ekman’s work has been used for psychology research, as well as for the US government, and even inspired the popular television series, ‘Lie to Me’.
Other concepts displayed in this movie included the conversion of short to long-term memory . When a memory is seen as salient or relevant enough to us, or when it has been repeated enough times, the brain messengers, dopamine and glutamate, ensure the long-term encoding of that memory. Think of these messengers as computer coders or awesome IT support team – they write the code to ensure that our brain computer is up to date with the new information. Other concepts briefly covered in the movie include psychological changes of reaching/approaching puberty , psychological stressors, family psychology, inductive and deductive reasoning (thinking like Sherlock Holmes by using logic, reasoning, and observation to reach a conclusion), and many others.
Of all 5 of Riley’s emotions, Joy seems to be the leader, she keeps the others in check but reminds the viewers that all of them have an important function. She states that Disgust keeps Riley safe from being poisoned, Fear keeps her safe from a catastrophe by imagining worst case scenarios, Anger protects her from others and also allows her to be a better hockey player, while Joy ensures that Riley is happy. However, Joy fails to see the importance of Sadness and tries to shoo Sadness away from anything Riley-related, forbidding this emotion in every way possible. She even draws a circle on the floor and makes Sadness stay inside it, forbidding her to leave or to touch any of Riley’s memories, so as not to taint them with sad memories.
As if Riley’s mind trying to keep Sadness at bay wasn’t enough, Riley’s parents put an additional pressure on her, especially when her mother asks her to “keep smiling” for her dad. Essentially, Riley’s mom, without meaning to do so, communicates to Riley that being sad about the move was not ok and that she needs to pretend to be happy to support her father through this.
Unfortunately, Joy’s good intentions backfire when Riley is unable to receive the support she so desperately needs to help her with adjusting to her new environment. In fact, Riley initially seems to be having symptoms of an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, where she has a hard time coping with her move, she withdraws from her parents and old friends, she misses school, and even tries to run away. By being unable to experience her sadness about all these changes and pretending that she was ok, Riley ends up being angry, anxious, and irritable, getting into a fight with her parents and her best friend, before shutting down altogether. In fact, it looks like Riley’s potential Adjustment Disorder might have turned into a full-blown Major Depressive Episode. (I’m saying, “might have” because in order to be diagnosed, the symptoms need to have lasted for 2 weeks or more, and we don’t know how long Riley’s symptoms actually lasted).
What messages does this movie send to its viewers?
Many, actually, but perhaps the most important one is this – our emotions are all important, every single one of them. They all serve an important function and we cannot selectively feel some but not others. It’s an “all-or-none” deal. If we numb sadness, we also numb joy. We need to openly experience all our emotions, and that includes sadness, as painful as it may be sometimes. Sadness allows for connection, when we see someone else feeling sad, we might feel sad too (this emotion is called empathy) and might want to alleviate their sadness (this is compassion). When we stay with this individual and share our emotions together, the resonating effect can produce a healing experience. That is exactly what we see when Sadness comforts Riley’s imaginary friend, Bing Bong, and also when Riley is able to share her sadness with her parents.
In fact, when we are sad, our body and facial expression cue the people around us that we need help – the tears running down our face, the pupil dilation, the non-threatening posture, all of this signals others that we could use some support. And at the same time, the people around us might then experience a bitter-sweet sensation of compassion, caused by an activation of the compassion centers of our brain (the insula and the anterior cingulate cortex, among other structures), and the warmth of the heart caused by a release of a special “cuddle” hormone , oxytocin (so called because it is released when we want to or are in the process of hugging someone, or similar actions).
The movie doesn’t stop there; it ends with a bang by reminding us that we can experience multiple (and even contradictory) emotions at the same time, such as happiness and sadness. The movie also shows that everyone experiences these emotions, as they are, in fact, universal. This demonstrates a psychological concept of common humanity, or the idea that other people are just like us, they might struggle with the same emotions, insecurities, heartbreaks, and neuroses as we do, further validating our internal experiences.
Overall, ‘Inside Out’ was amazing. I highly recommend it and would love to hear your opinions on it.
Dr. Janina Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a scientist, and a full time geek. She uses Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety , depression , chronic pain , and PTSD at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management and Sharp Memorial Hospital. Dr. Scarlet also teaches at Alliant International University, San Diego. Her book, Superhero Therapy, is expected to be released in July 2016 with Little, Brown Book Group.
Original post at Superhero Therapy: Psychology of "Inside Out." Shared at the author's request, with permission.
Travis Langley, Ph.D. , a professor at Henderson State University, is the author of Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight.
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Decoding the Psychology of ‘Inside Out’: Insights and Analysis
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside your mind? Pixar’s animated film ‘Inside Out’ takes viewers on a journey through the inner workings of the human brain, personifying emotions as colorful characters.
In this article, we will explore the key characters, plot, major themes, and psychological concepts depicted in ‘Inside Out.’ From the role of emotions in decision making to the impact of emotions on behavior, get ready for a deep dive into the fascinating world of this critically acclaimed movie.
- The characters in ‘Inside Out’ represent the five key emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, and their interactions drive the plot.
- The movie explores the importance of all emotions, the role of emotions in decision-making and behavior, and the impact of emotions on memory and development of emotional intelligence.
- ‘Inside Out’ delves into complex themes such as emotional development, coping with change, and the interplay between emotions and memory.
- 1 What Is ‘Inside Out’?
- 2.2 Sadness
- 2.5 Disgust
- 3 What Is the Plot of ‘Inside Out’?
- 4.1 Emotions and Memory
- 4.2 Emotional Development and Maturity
- 4.3 Coping with Change
- 4.4 Importance of All Emotions
- 5.1 The Role of Emotions in Decision Making
- 5.2 The Connection Between Emotions and Memories
- 5.3 The Impact of Emotions on Behavior
- 5.4 The Development of Emotional Intelligence
- 6 What Are the Criticisms and Praises for ‘Inside Out’?
- 7.1 What is ‘Inside Out’ and why is it a popular movie?
- 7.2 How does the movie depict the inner workings of the mind?
- 7.3 What psychological concepts are portrayed in ‘Inside Out’?
- 7.4 How does ‘Inside Out’ help in understanding emotions better?
- 7.5 What are the key takeaways from ‘Inside Out’ in terms of mental health?
- 7.6 How accurate is the portrayal of psychology in ‘Inside Out’?
What Is ‘Inside Out’?
‘Inside Out’ is a captivating animated movie that serves as a metaphor for mental health and emotional processes, focusing on the character Riley and the interplay of her emotions.
The film skillfully intertwines the significance of communication, memory, and psychology within the context of Riley’s emotional journey.
Through the characters of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, ‘Inside Out’ beautifully illustrates the complexities of human emotions and the impact they have on our daily lives.
The movie takes the audience on a poignant exploration of how memories shape our identities and influence our decision-making processes.
What Are the Key Characters in ‘Inside Out’?
In ‘Inside Out,’ the main characters include Riley, Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust, each representing different emotions within Riley’s mind.
Joy, the eternally upbeat and optimistic emotion, strives to keep Riley happy and positive in her daily life, often shining brightly amidst any challenges that may come her way. Sadness , on the other hand, brings a depth of understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of acknowledging difficult feelings rather than suppressing them. Meanwhile, Anger ignites fiery passion and a sense of justice, ensuring Riley stands up for herself when necessary. Disgust, with her keen sense of discernment, protects Riley from harm by steering her away from things that may cause her discomfort or harm.
Joy in ‘Inside Out’ embodies happiness and positivity within Riley’s emotional spectrum, guiding her through experiences with enthusiasm and optimism.
As the primary emotion in Riley’s mind, Joy plays a crucial role in shaping how the young girl perceives and reacts to various situations. Her vibrant personality and unwavering spirit keep Riley’s mental landscape bright and full of cheer. By maintaining a focus on happy memories and moments, Joy ensures that Riley’s emotional well-being remains stable and buoyant. In her interactions with other emotions like Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, Joy provides a counterbalance and often serves as the voice of reason amidst the chaos of conflicting feelings.
Sadness in ‘Inside Out’ represents the emotion of sorrow and plays a crucial role in Riley’s emotional development and memory processing.
One of the most poignant aspects of Sadness is how she is portrayed as genuine and relatable, embodying the feeling of sadness with empathy and authenticity. Her interactions with Joy, Anger, Fear, and Disgust showcase the complexity of emotions and the importance of embracing all feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. Through her character development, Sadness evolves from being seen as a hindrance to being recognized as an essential part of the emotional spectrum, highlighting the message of acceptance and growth.
‘Anger’ in ‘Inside Out’ embodies the fiery emotion of frustration and serves as a catalyst for Riley’s reactions to challenging situations.
Throughout the movie, Anger’s character is portrayed as a short-tempered, red-colored emotion with a tendency to explode at even the slightest inconvenience. His interactions with other emotions, such as Joy, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust, often lead to humorous clashes that highlight the complexity of human emotions. Anger’s presence in Riley’s mind symbolizes the importance of acknowledging and managing negative feelings in a healthy way, a crucial lesson for kids and adults alike. Pixar’s creative depiction of Anger adds depth to the narrative, showing how emotions can work together to navigate life’s challenges.
Fear in ‘Inside Out’ embodies the emotion of anxiety and caution, guiding Riley through moments of uncertainty and potential danger.
This quirky and neurotic purple character, voiced by Bill Hader, serves as a pivotal figure in the emotional landscape of Riley’s mind. Fear constantly evaluates worst-case scenarios, attempting to protect Riley from harm by preempting any potential danger. His cautious nature often clashes with the other emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust—creating both humorous and tense moments. This dynamic interaction reflects the complexity of managing anxiety in real life, where different emotions play a role in responding to challenges and triggering reactions.
‘Disgust’ in ‘Inside Out’ embodies the emotion of distaste and is responsible for guiding Riley’s reactions to unpleasant experiences and situations.
As one of the five core emotions in Riley’s mind, Disgust reflects the aversion to disagreeable elements, showcasing a keen eye for detecting the undesirable. Her green-tinged appearance in the animated film signifies her distaste for things that are unappealing or unattractive. Disgust often clashes with the optimistic Joy, who seeks to find the silver lining in every situation, highlighting the dynamic interplay between positive and negative emotions within the human psyche. Disgust plays a crucial role in shaping Riley’s decision-making process and responses to external stimuli, contributing to a nuanced portrayal of how individuals process and manage unfavorable circumstances.”
What Is the Plot of ‘Inside Out’?
The plot of ‘Inside Out’ revolves around Riley’s emotional journey as her core emotions, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear, navigate her experiences, memories, and family dynamics.
These emotions are anthropomorphized within Riley’s mind, each playing a significant role in shaping her responses to various situations. Joy, the unofficial leader, strives to keep Riley happy by maintaining a positive outlook on life. In contrast, Sadness starts to play a crucial role as Riley faces challenges, reflecting the importance of embracing and working through negative emotions.
Anger, Disgust, and Fear bring their own perspectives into the mix, showcasing the complexity of human emotions and the necessity of experiencing a range of feelings to develop empathy and resilience. The interactions among these emotions lead to dynamic and often humorous scenarios, reflecting the intricacies of the human psyche and the power of internal conflicts in shaping one’s character and behavior.
What Are the Major Themes in ‘Inside Out’?
The major themes in ‘Inside Out’ encompass the complexities of emotion, memory, psychological development, and the impact of family dynamics on children’s understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In this critically acclaimed animated film, the personified emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust guide viewers through the inner workings of the mind of the protagonist, Riley. These characters symbolize different facets of her personality and represent how emotions can shape decision-making and memory consolidation.
The film also delves into the intricate processes of memory formation, storage, and retrieval, highlighting the significance of both positive and negative experiences in shaping one’s identity and worldview. Through Riley’s developmental journey, ‘Inside Out’ serves as a poignant narrative on how familial relationships and childhood experiences influence the cognitive and emotional growth of individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing one’s inner emotional landscape.
Emotions and Memory
The interplay between emotions and memory in ‘Inside Out’ showcases how psychological processes shape memory formation, retrieval, and emotional responses in the characters.
As the film unravels, we see Joy’s unwavering optimism influencing Riley’s core memories, which are crucial in forming her personality and identity.
These core memories, colored by Joy’s bright and positive perspective, pave the way for Riley’s joyful personality traits and optimistic outlook on life.
On the other hand, Sadness’s role in the memory spheres highlights the importance of acknowledging and processing negative emotions to achieve emotional balance and resilience.
Emotional Development and Maturity
The theme of emotional development and maturity in ‘Inside Out’ highlights Riley’s growth and understanding of her emotions, family dynamics, and personal experiences.
Riley’s journey in the movie reflects a typical child’s progression in understanding and managing complex emotions as they grow up. It truly delves deep into the nuances of family relationships and the impact they have on one’s emotional well-being. Through the character of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, the film beautifully captures how different emotions play vital roles in shaping one’s perception of the world.
The film doesn’t just focus on Riley’s individual transformation but also emphasizes the significance of seeking support and sharing emotions within a familial unit. The portrayal of internal emotional struggles resonates with viewers of all ages, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and processing feelings in a healthy manner.
Coping with Change
The theme of coping with change in ‘Inside Out’ illustrates how characters adapt to new circumstances, challenges, and emotions, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Through the character of Joy, the movie demonstrates the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy even in challenging situations. Joy’s resilience and ability to see the bright side, even during difficult times, serve as a model for viewers facing their own struggles.
On the other hand, Sadness highlights the significance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions instead of suppressing them. The film teaches us that it’s essential to allow ourselves to feel sad and experience a range of emotions to grow and adapt effectively.
Importance of All Emotions
The emphasis on the importance of all emotions in ‘Inside Out’ underscores the value of empathy , compassion, and understanding in navigating complex emotional landscapes.
By showcasing how each emotion plays a vital role in shaping the protagonist Riley’s experiences, the movie effectively conveys the message that embracing a range of feelings leads to a more enriched emotional life.
Empathy, as depicted through the character interactions among the various emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, highlights the significance of understanding others’ perspectives and feelings.
This emphasis on empathy and emotional diversity not only enriches character development but also strengthens interpersonal relationships, fostering a deeper sense of connection and unity.
What Are the Psychological Concepts Explored in ‘Inside Out’?
‘Inside Out’ delves into various psychological concepts such as the role of emotions in decision-making, the connection between emotions and memories, the influence of emotions on behavior, and the development of emotional intelligence.
One of the key aspects explored in the movie is the idea that emotions are not only essential for decision-making but also play a vital role in shaping our memories. Memories are intricately intertwined with emotions, impacting how they are stored and recalled, ultimately influencing our perceptions and responses to different situations. The film beautifully illustrates how different emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust work together, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the dynamics of their interactions.
The Role of Emotions in Decision Making
The exploration of the role of emotions in decision-making in ‘Inside Out’ sheds light on how affective states influence cognitive processes, memory retrieval, and behavioral responses.
In the movie, each emotion is depicted as a distinct character, showcasing how joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust interact and shape the protagonist’s experiences. These emotions constantly vie for control and influence over the main character’s decisions, illustrating the complexity of human emotions.
Memory consolidation is beautifully illustrated through the mind’s storage system, where core memories are formed and stored in long-term memory banks. The retrieval of these memories is influenced by the emotional context surrounding them, highlighting the significant role emotions play in how we interpret and recall past experiences.
The Connection Between Emotions and Memories
The intricate connection between emotions and memories in ‘Inside Out’ elucidates how emotional experiences shape memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval processes.
Through the character of Riley, whose core memories influence her personality islands, the movie delves into how positive and negative emotions trigger distinct memory pathways.
For instance, when Joy or Sadness interacts with a memory, they modify it, highlighting how emotions color our recollections. This mirrors real-life cognitive processes, where emotional events tend to be more memorable and impactful.
Memory consolidation is further spotlighted as Riley navigates through her long-term memory storage, showing how emotions linked to specific memories influence their accessibility and relevance over time.
The Impact of Emotions on Behavior
The portrayal of emotions’ impact on behavior in ‘Inside Out’ showcases how affective states influence actions, social interactions, and personal relationships.
In ‘Inside Out’, the character’s core memories lead to the formation of personality islands, representing key aspects of their identity, shaping their behaviors and decisions.
For example, when Joy and Sadness get lost in the long-term memory bank, it symbolizes how suppressing certain emotions can affect mental well-being and hinder emotional growth.
The film’s narrative illustrates how understanding and accepting the full spectrum of emotions are crucial for maintaining balance and fostering healthy relationships.
The Development of Emotional Intelligence
‘Inside Out’ explores the development of emotional intelligence through character interactions, communication strategies, and the importance of empathy in understanding diverse emotional experiences.
In the movie, we witness how the personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – coexist in the young girl Riley’s mind, shaping her responses and influencing her behavior. Throughout the film, Riley goes on a metaphorical journey to grasp the complexity of emotions, shifting from a simplistic view dominated by Joy towards a more nuanced understanding that incorporates the necessity of embracing Sadness.
What Are the Criticisms and Praises for ‘Inside Out’?
‘Inside Out’ has received both acclaim and criticism, with praises for its psychological depth, character development, and thematic exploration, alongside critiques of oversimplification of mental health concepts and character stereotypes.
Reviewers and audiences lauded the film’s innovative approach to visualizing complex emotions and inner conflicts through the characters of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, each representing a fundamental aspect of the human psyche. The journey of the main character, Riley, navigating her emotions and struggles, was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges of growing up.
Some critics pointed out that the film’s representation of mental health issues and emotions may have been overly simplified, potentially glossing over the nuances and complexities of these psychological dynamics. Concerns were raised about the stereotypical portrayal of certain emotions, raising questions about the impact of reinforcing traditional gender roles in character design and behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘inside out’ and why is it a popular movie.
‘Inside Out’ is an animated film produced by Pixar that explores the inner workings of our minds through the emotions of a young girl named Riley. It has gained popularity for its unique and creative approach to understanding human psychology.
How does the movie depict the inner workings of the mind?
The movie personifies the five basic emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust – as characters who control and influence Riley’s thoughts, memories, and actions. It also shows the role of long-term memory, imagination, and core memories in shaping an individual’s personality.
What psychological concepts are portrayed in ‘Inside Out’?
The movie touches upon various psychological concepts such as emotional intelligence, memory formation, cognitive development, personality formation, and the impact of emotions on behavior. It also highlights the importance of understanding and embracing all emotions, including sadness.
How does ‘Inside Out’ help in understanding emotions better?
The movie presents emotions as complex and interdependent processes rather than simple reactions. It shows how different emotions can work together or against each other in influencing our thoughts and actions. This can help viewers have a better understanding of their own emotions and those of others.
What are the key takeaways from ‘Inside Out’ in terms of mental health?
The movie emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing all emotions, including the uncomfortable ones. It also highlights the role of positive experiences and relationships in shaping one’s mental health. Lastly, it promotes the idea of embracing change and adapting to new situations for overall well-being.
How accurate is the portrayal of psychology in ‘Inside Out’?
While the movie simplifies and exaggerates certain aspects for the sake of storytelling, it does a commendable job of capturing the essence of various psychological concepts. It has been praised by mental health professionals for its accurate portrayal of emotions and their impact on behavior.
Lena Nguyen, an industrial-organizational psychologist, specializes in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture. Her consultancy work has helped businesses build stronger teams and create environments that promote innovation and efficiency. Lena’s articles offer a fresh perspective on managing workplace dynamics and harnessing the potential of human capital in achieving business success.
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