ABSTRACT
Disney films have been a key area of study for scholars because of the potential implications for children’s exposure to characters and storylines that can influence how they navigate their own experiences. Due to Disney/Pixar’s association with films meant for children and families, it is likely that these films indirectly help children understand certain viewpoints and realities. As such, both Finding Nemo and Finding Dory’s inclusion of disabilities, especially mental health experiences, is important to study because of the potential implications for what children may learn about mental health from the films. According to the author, analyzing the films and additional related content using communication theory of identity reveals that Dory holds a positive view of herself and her abilities, which is impacted both positively and negatively by who she associates with. The author contends that the filmmakers’ discussions about the film and the reviews about Finding Dory show that we still have a long way to go for fair depictions of mental health in mass media to help create impactful change in the long term, but that an analysis using CTI reveals the intricacies involved in communicating mental illness and mental health as both a topic and an identity.
