Psicologia e Cinema

Os estereótipos do terapeuta no audiovisual

Abstract

As a component of the media in general, cinema transmits signs and values that can influence the ways of thinking and acting of society. The role and assignment of different professionals are constantly portrayed by the media in general, sometimes accurately but sometimes in a stereotypical way. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the stereotypes present in the film industry regarding mental health professionals, more specifically those who practice some clinical modality. For this purpose, it was used the website Box Office Mojo, of the company Internet Movie Database (IMBD), for the selection of 20 most watched titles in each of the last 20 years. The sample analysis resulted in 19 movies containing at least one (1) character identified as a psychological or therapeutic professional. Among the findings, the sexualization of the woman, the therapist’s comic image, the recurrence of villains and perverse professionals, social agents and those who genuinely wish to help. In conclusion, it reiterates the importance of further studies updating such concepts and evaluating the influence of stereotypes on the social imaginary of society.