Introduction
Films can psychologically influence people, and it is important to mention specific triggers that may cause traumas. In the movie “Boys Don’t Cry,” violence, discrimination, and traumatic events can appear and cause issues with emotional well-being. Social and psychological factors play a significant role in developing triggering moments that build biopsychosocial problems. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is responsible for understanding conflicting problems that may cause psychological problems in individuals who watch the film (American Psychiatric Association, n.d d.). The raised racism may be the main cause of the development of the sociocultural perspective of abnormal behavior. The second reason might be communication between different genders and people of diverse cultural backgrounds also raises sociocultural issues biopsychological perspective.
Main body
To determine if Brandon from the film “Boys Don’t Cry” meets the DSM-5 criteria for Gender Dysphoria, a thorough assessment by a qualified mental health professional would be required. This would involve a comprehensive evaluation of Brandon’s experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to gender and consideration of any other relevant contextual factors presented in the film. Even though it might be unethical to set a diagnosis without specific assessments, Brandon may have Gender Dysphoria as he has a strong desire to be a different gender which is not assigned by birth (Peirce, 1999). Moreover, the character likes feeling treated by the opposite gender more which is a common symptom of the psychological disorder (Tem3) (American Psychiatric Association, n. d.). The film does not present the condition as a huge problem, and in one of the talking scenes, Brandon starts talking about the huge interest in the social life of the opposite gender.
To cope with the massive tension from the surrounding, Brandon started using formal and informal interventions to receive support and provide self-assistance. For example, as a formal intervention, the character is seeking information and resources related to the rights of transgender, healthcare, and support groups to stay more connected to those who are experiencing the same issues and share the specific experience. However, to ensure informal self-support, Brandon uses the method of gender affirmation when he dresses up and adopts a pronunciation and name that aligns with the shown gender. The film does not provide specific interventions, but the symptoms of Gender Dysphoria are visible and can be easily analyzed.
Brandon faced a negative relationship with close friends when he first opened up as transgender, and during this stage, the mental health stigma appeared. People became hostile and aggressive, making the character more emotionally distressing (Peirce, 1999). The film is based on a real-life scenario, and in the 20th century, the topic of gender change was not popular. Therefore, the presence of damaging stigma is clear and understandable. Direct and indirect prejudice influences the mental condition, and Brandon suffers from low self-esteem throughout the film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the film “Boys Don’t Cry” is not fully oriented on explaining the psychological disorder called Gender Dysphoria, it allows individuals to analyze the main character from different perspectives. The problem is common to the modern world, and the film may teach the new generation how to find help and provide individual support if the surroundings stay aggressive. Consequently, “Boys Don’t Cry” is one of the greatest films, and many people with similar psychological problems find answers to their unique questions.
References
American Psychiatric Association (n. d.). What is Gender Dysphoria?. Web.
Peirce, K. (1999). Boys Don’t Cry [Film]. Fox Searchlight Pictures.