THE CINEMATIC CANVAS: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF CINEMA AS A THERAPY, EFFECT OF FILM ON EMOTIONAL INSIGHT, HEALING, AND PERSONAL WELLBEING

Prabakaran  V.; P. S.  Padmavathy

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v6.i1s.2025.6688

Authors

Dr. Prabakaran V. Professor and Head - School of Media Studies, Faculty of Science and Humanitie, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, India
Ms P. S. Padmavathy Ph.D. Research Scholar- Part Time Internal, Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Science and Humanitie, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v6.i1s.2025.6688

Keywords:

Cinematherapy, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Film Therapy, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Well-Being

Abstract [English]

Cinematherapy, also known as film therapy or movie therapy, was formally coined by Berg-Cross, Jennings and Baruch (1990) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes the power of cinema to promote emotional healing and personal growth. This innovative approach draws upon various psychological theories, including psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral theory, and humanistic theory, to help individuals explore their emotions, gain new perspectives, and develop coping skills. This study provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations, historical roots, and practical applications of cinema as a therapeutic tool. Through a critical analysis of existing literature and empirical studies, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of research on cinematherapy and its effectiveness in promoting mental health and well-being. The findings suggest that cinematherapy can be a valuable adjunct to traditional psychotherapy, offering clients a unique and engaging way to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of cinematherapy and its role in enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

References

Ahmed, H., Holloway, D., Zaman, R., and Agius, M. (2015). Cinematherapy and Film as an Educational Tool in Undergraduate Psychiatry Teaching: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Psychiatria Danubina, 27(Suppl. 1), S136–S142.

Ananda, F., et al. (2022). The Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Counseling Combined with Cinematherapy Techniques to Reduce Academic Anxiety. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling. Universitas Negeri Semarang.

Anugerahwati, M., and Dewanti, S. T. (2022). Intercultural Communication Competence of Indonesian Undergraduate Students When Watching the Movie American History X. KnE Social Sciences, 7(7). https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i7.10658 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i7.10658

Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.

Bengtson, T. J. (2009). Review of A Novel Approach to Politics: Introducing Political Science Through Books, Movies, and Popular Culture. Journal of Political Science Education, 5(2), 175–176. https://doi.org/10.1080/15512160902815910 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15512160902815910

Berg-Cross, L., Jennings, P., and Baruch, R. (1990). Cinematherapy: Theory and Application. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 8(1), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1300/J294v08n01_15 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1300/J294v08n01_15

Carlos, R. (2022). Film and Social Change: Exploring the Influence of Movies on Society. CINEFORUM, 62(1), 13–18.

Dermer, S. B., and Hutchings, J. B. (2000a). Movies as a Vehicle for Teaching and Learning About Diversity. Teaching of Psychology, 27(3), 212–217.

Dermer, S. B., and Hutchings, J. B. (2000b). Utilizing Movies in Family Therapy: Applications for Individuals, Couples, and Families. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 28(2), 163–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/019261800261734 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/019261800261734

Dumitrache, S. D. (2014). The Effects of a Cinema-Therapy Group on Diminishing Anxiety in Young People. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.342 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.342

Dumitrache, S. D., and Mitrofan, L. (2015). The Effects of Cinematherapy: Anxiety Diminution, Self-Esteem Development. (Publication details not specified).

Film Companion South. (2023, April 10). Vetrimaaran Reveals How Suriya’s Vaaranam Aayiram Triggered Him to Quit Smoking! YouTube.

Freud, S., and Breuer, J. (2009). Studies on Hysteria. Basic Books. (Original work published 1895)

Gao, M., and Guintu, E. (2025). LGBT Representation in Film and Media: Social Impact and Future Development—A Literature Review. ResearchGate.

Green, M. C., and Brock, T. C. (2000). The Role of Transportation in the Persuasiveness of Public Narratives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), 701–721. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.79.5.701 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.79.5.701

Guo, Y. (2025). The Significant form: Visual Symbols and Cultural Symbolism in Film. Francis Academic Press.

Hanich, J., Wagner, V., Shah, M., Jacobsen, T., and Menninghaus, W. (2014). Why We Like to Watch Sad Films: The Pleasure of Tragic Cinema. Poetics, 44, 116–131.

Hankir, A., Holloway, D., Zaman, R., and Agius, M. (2015). Cinematherapy and Film as an Educational Tool in Undergraduate Psychiatry Teaching: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Psychiatria Danubina, 27(Suppl. 1), S136–S142.

Johnes, M. (2020, April 15). Cinema as the Most Significant Invention in Recreation.

Jung, C. G. (1969). Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (R. F. C. Hull, Trans.). Princeton University Press. (Original Work Published 1934)

Kapur, J., and Wagner, K. B. (2011). Cultural Studies and Film Theory. Routledge.

Karmakar, S., Mukherjee, A., and Karmakar, S. (2025). Reflections of the Mind: Bengali Cinema and Mental Health. Bengal Journal of Psychiatry, 30, 3–11. https://doi.org/10.25259/BJPSY_9_2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25259/BJPSY_9_2025

Kaur, B., and Bhatia, A. (2022). Impact of Cinema on Levels of Empathy and Emotion Regulation in Artists and Non-Artists: A Comparative Study. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 10(3), 477–485. https://doi.org/10.25215/1003.047

Lee, S. L. (2025). Stellar Identities: Cinema’s Cultural Mirror. NumberAnalytics.

Lee, S.-A., Tan, F., and Stephens, J. (2017). Film Adaptation, Global Film Techniques, and Cross-Cultural Viewing. International Research in Children’s Literature. https://doi.org/10.3366/ircl.2017.0215 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3366/ircl.2017.0215

Mangot, A. G., and Murthy, V. S. (2017). A Multimodal and Integrative Medium for Education and Therapy. Annals of Indian Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4103/aip.aip_13_17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/aip.aip_13_17

Monaco, J. (2009). How to Read a Film: Movies, Media, and Beyond. Oxford University Press.

Morris, L. W., Spiegler, M. D., and Liebert, R. M. (1974). Effects of a Therapeutic Modeling Film on Cognitive and Emotional Components of Anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30, 219–223. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197404)30:2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197404)30:2<219::AID-JCLP2270300230>3.0.CO;2-3

Niemiec, R. M., and Wedding, D. (2014). Positive Psychology at the Movies: Using Films to Build Virtues and Character Strengths (2nd ed.). Hogrefe Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1027/00449-000 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1027/00449-000

Oliver, M. B., and Bartsch, A. (2010). Appreciation as Audience Response: Exploring Entertainment Gratifications Beyond Hedonism. Human Communication Research, 36(1), 53–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01368.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01368.x

Pannu, A., and Goyal, R. K. (2025). Cinematherapy for Depression: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Films in Mental Health Treatment. Journal of Psychology, 159(5), 329–357. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2024.2409227 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2024.2409227

Powell, D. A., Newgent, R. A., and Lee, S. M. (2006). Group Cinematherapy with Emotionally Disturbed Adolescents. Adolescence, 41(162), 453–466.

Priyanka, S., Garima, K., and Nagendra, K. (2022). Role of Films in Societal Change. Crescent Publishing Corporation.

Rivera, C. (2022). Film and Social Change: Exploring the Influence of Movies on Society. CINEFORUM, 62(1), 13–18.

Sarbin, T. R. (Ed.). (1986). Narrative Psychology: The Storied Nature of Human Conduct. Praeger.

Sharp, C., Smith, J. V., and Cole, A. (2002). Cinematherapy: Metaphorically Promoting Therapeutic Change. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 15(3), 269–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070210140221 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070210140221

Smieszek, M. (2019). Cinematherapy as a Part of the Education and Therapy of People with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Disorders, and as a Tool for Personal Development. Nicolaus Copernicus University.

Stamps, L. S. (2003). Bibliotherapy: How Books can Help Students Cope with Concerns and Conflict. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 70, 25–29.

Thangavelu, S. (2020). Film as a Reflection of Society: Reception of Social Drama in Tamil Cinema. In Handbook of research on social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema (pp. 42–56). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/9781799835110.ch004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-3511-0.ch016

Tripti, and Kumari, P. (2024). Transforming Narratives: The Role of Hindi Cinema as a Catalyst for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3771 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3771

Wedding, D., and Niemiec, R. M. (2014). Movies and Mental Illness: Using Films to Understand Psychopathology (4th ed.). Hogrefe Publishing.

White, M., and Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. W. W. Norton and Company.

Wired. (n.d.). Cinematherapy: Psychology and Mental Health.