Note: This is an OG episode of BFTB. For some of my older episodes, I’ve decided to archive them and make them available only for Premium Submarines. Enjoy this throwback episode.Original episode description: If you identify with the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (also known as BPD or EUPD), it’s likely you’ve heard of “splitting.” Splitting is a defense mechanism that causes a person to view something or someone in ‘black and white’ terms (i.e., “all good” or “all bad.) This episode is part one in a three-part deep dive series on BPD splitting behaviors. If you identify with BPD, it’s likely you’re not conscious of when you’re splitting or why it happens. This can be a very painful and isolating experience. By listening to this series, you'll finally become aware of these self-sabotaging patterns and become better connected to yourself and those around you...
http://backfromtheborderline.com
episode 8: 8. Did the Character Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) Display BPD Traits?
Psychiatrists Eric Bui and Rachel Rodgers argued that Anakin Skywalker use a useful example for explaining Borderline Personality disorder to medical students, hoping their findings would raise awareness of the disorder, especially among teens. In today’s episode, we reflect on Darth Vader as a character. Throughout my research, I developed a keen empathy for this lost soul. The themes of becoming stuck in vicious cycles oof mental illness, addictions, post-traumatic stress and abusive relationships are all themes that appear throughout Anakin’s storyline. Even if our own stakes aren’t as high as Anakin’s, some of his struggles are universal.
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Below is a breakdown of the topics covered:
• 03:48 | Who is Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker? | His role in the Star Wars franchise
• 07:05 | The creation and development of the character Darth Vader
• 08:03 | The concept and writing behind George Lucas’ Darth Vader character
• 11:49 | The various portrayals of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies
• 15:38 | The mythology behind the character and the “tragic hero” archetype, which appeared in ancient Greek Tragedies (such as those by philosopher Aristotle)
• 18:38 | Why is Anakin Skywalker considered a “tragic hero”?
• 22:03 | Why do some psychiatrists consider Darth Vader a useful example for explaining Borderline Personality Disorder?
• 24:44 | A breakdown of Anakin Skywalker’s BPD traits (impulsivity, anger management issues, idealizing / devaluing splitting behaviors, dissociative episodes, emotional repression, paranoia /intrusive thoughts, and identity disturbance)
• 26:24 | Final thoughts (how teens can relate to the troubled Anakin Skywalker)
If you’re interested in further reading, click here for an incredible recent article (06/26/21) from the National School of Journalism and Public Disclosure titled “The Psychological Side of the Force."
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