Verified by Psychology Today

The Superheroes

Inside the mind of Batman and other larger-than-life heroes.

Health
DSM-5: “A Living Document” Dead on Arrival?

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on May 10, 2013

Why is DSM-5 being considered a "living document?" The main rationale, to my mind, is to “correct” for the shoddy work that is being launched this month.

Why is DSM-5 being considered a "living document?" The main rationale, to my mind, is to “correct” for the shoddy work that is being launched this month.

Depression
We Thought Lance Armstrong Was Batman But He Was Spider-Man

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on February 7, 2013

We thought Lance Armstrong's wins were because he was like Batman and dedicated himself so completely to his goal. We thought he showed us what was possible for a dedicated and focused human being without superpowers. We were wrong.

We thought Lance Armstrong's wins were because he was like Batman and dedicated himself so completely to his goal. We thought he showed us what was possible for a dedicated and focused human being without superpowers. We were wrong.

Compliance
Cognition
How Could She Do That?

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on August 17, 2012

A manager agrees to strip search and detain her employee all because of a phone call. What's going on there?

A manager agrees to strip search and detain her employee all because of a phone call. What's going on there?

Career
Batman's Mental Health Part 2

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on July 11, 2012

Taking Dick Grayson as a sidekick Robin was a lapse in judgement. Further lapses in judgment came with his taking on each subsequent Robin.

Taking Dick Grayson as a sidekick Robin was a lapse in judgement. Further lapses in judgment came with his taking on each subsequent Robin.

What's the Matter With Batman?
Health
Batman's Mental Health, Part 1

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on July 4, 2012

Taking Dick Grayson as a sidekick, Robin, was a significant lapse in judgment. Further lapses in judgment came with his taking on each subsequent Robin.

Taking Dick Grayson as a sidekick, Robin, was a significant lapse in judgment. Further lapses in judgment came with his taking on each subsequent Robin.

Leadership
Assembling the Avengers

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on May 8, 2012

The idea of an Avengers film was daring, the risk paid off and the film was a success.
What about the psychological aspects of the film?

The idea of an Avengers film was daring, the risk paid off and the film was a success.
What about the psychological aspects of the film?

Trauma
Salander as Superhero

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on December 9, 2011

Lisbeth Salander is a captivating protagonist. Her appearance and demeanor lead us-and the characters in her world-to make assumptions about her, to pigeonhole her as a goth, a slacker, a rebel.

Lisbeth Salander is a captivating protagonist. Her appearance and demeanor lead us-and the characters in her world-to make assumptions about her, to pigeonhole her as a goth, a slacker, a rebel.

Play
Captain America: A Psychologist's Review

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on August 9, 2011

As an origin story, Captain America must make a compelling case for why the physically slight and asthmatic Steve Rogers volunteers for a radical experimental procedure (and the risk of death) in the hope of becoming a super soldier. In my opinion, the film fails in this regard. Let me explain why.

As an origin story, Captain America must make a compelling case for why the physically slight and asthmatic Steve Rogers volunteers for a radical experimental procedure (and the risk of death) in the hope of becoming a super soldier. In my opinion, the film fails in this regard. Let me explain why.

Testosterone
Why You May Want to Stand Like a Superhero

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on July 14, 2011

You're probably familiar with the "superhero stance": the physical pose in which the superhero stands with legs spread apart, arms on hips, elbows bent.

You're probably familiar with the "superhero stance": the physical pose in which the superhero stands with legs spread apart, arms on hips, elbows bent.

Intelligence
X-Men First Class: A Psychologist’s Review

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on June 4, 2011

From a psychological perspective, the X-Men comic book (and film) stories are psychologically rich material, in which issues about prejudice and discrimination, teamwork, leadership, giftedness (e.g., being "special") and power are explored in ways that are both accessible and thought-provoking. X-Men: First Class continues this fine tradition.

From a psychological perspective, the X-Men comic book (and film) stories are psychologically rich material, in which issues about prejudice and discrimination, teamwork, leadership, giftedness (e.g., being "special") and power are explored in ways that are both accessible and thought-provoking. X-Men: First Class continues this fine tradition.

Stress
De-Stress in 6 Seconds Using 6 Steps

Robin S. Rosenberg Ph.D. on May 26, 2011

Try this six-step, six-second relaxation technique to temporarily bring your stress level down; if you use the technique throughout the day, it can help lower your baseline stress level.

Try this six-step, six-second relaxation technique to temporarily bring your stress level down; if you use the technique throughout the day, it can help lower your baseline stress level.