Psychoanalysis.  2019 Jul;30(3):70-77. 10.18529/psychoanal.2019.30.3.70.

Overcoming Trauma and Growth: Based on Film ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’

• Kim BU
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 2453942
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2019.30.3.70

Abstract

Adolescence requires many developmental stages including the ability to integrate changes in relationship to oneself and to others. Friendship plays an important role in adolescence. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is a film about the growth of a boy who overcomes a traumatic past of sexual abuse and loss through relationships with his friends. The authors analyze people in the "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and explores the influence of early childhood trauma on developmental stages and the role of interpersonal relationships during adolescence. Early childhood sexual abuse and loss can cause psychological trauma and have a negative impact on subsequent living. Adolescents are confronted with the task that requires a major reworking of all aspects of earlier development, in the process of exposing and amplifying pre-existing psychopathology. Especially it's a more painful experience for those who have past psychological trauma. But it may be an inevitable process to overcome trauma and grow. In conclusion, we can see that interpersonal relationships play a significant role in supporting each other's growth and development during adolescence.

Keyword

Trauma; Growth; Adolescent; Friends; Development

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Friends
Growth and Development
Humans
Male
Psychological Trauma
Psychopathology
Sex Offenses