Superheroes are known for their traumatic pasts and for regularly enduring painful beatings. The question of how this affects their personalities is explored by Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Cara Battistella (University of Pittsburgh), and Sean B. Knuth (SBKPhD). Citing recent neurotrauma research, they discuss mental illness and head trauma through recent stories of Batman, Spider-Man, Jessica Jones, Black Widow, and others. Additionally, panelists discuss how these events factor into increasing violent behavior. Panelists will also consider treatment options and how seeking treatment could affect the futures of these characters. If a superhero sought therapy, would they no longer seek justice?
Sunday July 23, 2017 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
