Transforming Mental Health Conversations: How Superhero Films Help Children Understand Emotions

You might know the story of Peter Parker, who became Spider-Man after a tragic childhood. He lost his parents and was raised by his aunt and uncle. When his uncle was murdered by a criminal, Peter felt guilty for not stopping him. This guilt drove him to take on the role of a superhero.

But not all childhood traumas lead to heroics. Take the Joker from The Dark Knight. His backstory reveals a father who caused him severe harm. This contrasts sharply with Batman, who also faced trauma when he witnessed his parents’ death as a child. Both characters highlight how trauma can shape a person but lead to very different paths.

A fascinating study from the University of Calgary took a detailed look at this topic. They used real-life tools called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaires to evaluate characters from Marvel and DC. These questionnaires focus on experiences like abuse and neglect during childhood.

The surprising conclusion? Higher ACE scores, which suggest a tough childhood, didn’t predict whether a character became a hero or a villain. This challenges the idea that a difficult past leads someone to become bad. Instead, it highlights that these scores show areas where individuals might need extra support.

Dr. Jennifer Jackson, a co-author of the study, pointed out that using popular characters can open discussions about tough topics like child abuse. “This approach might be less intimidating for kids who love these characters,” she noted. It provides a gentle way to discuss serious issues about mental health.

The study started with the thought that supervillains would tend to have higher ACE scores than superheroes. But as the research progressed, the findings unveiled a different story. “I have seen that high ACE scores often correlate with stress and poor health, but we discovered that trauma doesn’t have to dictate life choices,” said Julia Wigmore, the lead author.

The researchers assessed 28 characters from 33 films and ensured a mix of heroes and villains. They also considered gender and racial diversity. Characters analyzed include iconic figures like Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Shang-Chi, and Loki. This diverse representation allows viewers from different backgrounds to connect with heroes and think, “That could be me.”

Interestingly, the study suggested that just because a character experienced trauma does not mean they will turn into a villain. For example, Black Widow has the highest ACE score among the characters studied, yet she is a hero. In contrast, Loki grows up in privilege but chooses a darker path. This indicates that it’s not solely past experiences that define our choices; it’s the individual decision to embrace heroism or villainy.

This exploration of childhood trauma in popular culture isn’t just academic; it may inspire hope. Characters like Bruce Wayne, who lost his parents, chose to fight crime rather than succumb to darkness. It serves as a reminder that overcoming adversity is possible, and choosing to do good can lead to meaningful change.

For more on the detailed findings, check out the study:

Wigmore, J., et al. (2025). Are adverse childhood experiences scores associated with heroism or villainy? A quantitative observational study of Marvel and DC Cinematic Universe characters. PLOS ONE.

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Nursing, Trauma, Children, Research