Anime Characters and OCD
Working with young people, I have learned to deep dive into my clients’ passions in order to better support their self-awareness and healing. Especially when dealing with the complex world of OCD, I must learn to bridge the gap between relatable culture and content, and the psychological jargon that I need to explain during the treatment process. Almost every young client I have had the privilege to work with has shared a unique perspective on how to conceptualize psychology using popular culture, but none have been more striking than the anime protagonists, villains, and anti-heroes depicting various facets of OCD.
Only about 2% of the population is clinically diagnosed with OCD, both in Japan and the U.S. (Ishikawa et al., 2014). However, for whatever reason, anime and manga culture provides a complex array of characters that embody accurate depictions of various presentations of OCD. While different cultures reward and respond to OCD differently, studies have shown that symptomology does not differ significantly on an international level.
Examples from the world of anime include Levi Ackerman with contamination, Byakuya Kuchiki who demonstrates moral scrupulosity, and Yoshikage Kira with OCD superstitions. Several of my clients have brought up Kita SInsuke from Haikyuu!, who does not demonstrate a villainous, exaggerated version of OCD, but rather a quieter cycle of compulsions and obsessions based on the superstitious belief that exacting routines lead to blessed outcomes.
Fan websites explore dozens more and even rank accuracy and relatability of the depictions.
Why is this helpful? Name it to tame it!
In OCD treatment, connecting to fictitious depictions of OCD is actually part of the healing process. In an effort to externalize OCD, we differentiate our core personality from our OCD and attach an image, character, and name to this mental bully.
Being able to draw from a body of literature, art, or entertainment that resonates with the individual is key to helping this externalization stick in our clients’ minds. When OCD is acting up, a client may be able to imagine their caricature representation rather than feel that those thoughts are congruent (coming from themselves).
For more characters with OCD symptoms from anime.
Kairos Wellness Collective has providers that specialize in connecting with teen clients.
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