Written by: Kate Montgomery, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed., LCMHCA
The second film in the Inside Out series introduces several new emotions, including anxiety, boredom, embarrassment, and nostalgia, following the protagonist, Riley, turning 13 and beginning puberty. While the movie is set to explore Riley’s preparation to transition to high school, viewers of all ages can benefit from the takeaway messages of the film.
Anxiety is not “bad.”
“Fear protects her from the scary stuff that she can see. I [Anxiety] protect her from the scary stuff Riley can’t see. I help plan for the future.” This introduction provides a developmentally appropriate description that explains the role of anxiety as a universal human emotion and challenges the stigma that anxiety is “bad.” Instead, viewers can observe Anxiety help Riley in multiple scenarios, including meeting new people, trying out for team sports, preparing for tests, and life transitions. It is not until Anxiety causes Riley’s other emotions to be suppressed, takes control of headquarters, and replaces the belief system that viewers begin to observe challenges associated with anxiety.
Naming Anxiety
The production team’s naming of this character as “Anxiety” challenges the stigma associated with this emotional experience. Often, parents express concerns about naming their child’s emotional experience as anxiety and instead prefer to use the term “worries.” However, unlike a worried thought that comes and goes, anxiety can be chronic, and it can impact everyday life, work productivity, physical health, and social relationships. Anxiety is the result of evolution and is designed to protect someone from a perceived threat. By naming this feeling “Anxiety,” the producers are recognizing the significance of this feeling and reinforcing that everyone has some degree of anxiety.
Personification of Feelings
The personification of feelings as characters is not unique to the Inside Out franchise. However, this approach continues to be replicated because of the intangible idea of feelings that people often feel disempowered to address. Many treatment approaches associated with anxiety include the creation of an anxiety monster or some form of personified negative self-talk. The personification of emotional experiences often provides the distance and perspective needed to acknowledge, challenge, communicate, and accept an emotional state.
Regardless of your age, Inside Out 2 is an exceptional tool for beginning a conversation about feelings and is an excellent resource for families who want to increase their emotional intelligence.