Beauty and the Beast: A Look at Trauma Bonding
Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Disney’s enchanting stories have long captivated audiences, immersing them in magical worlds filled with memorable characters and valuable lessons about love, friendship, and courage. However, beneath the surface of these fairy tales lies a deeper, more complex set of themes that are not always so magical. Many of Disney’s films also demonstrate, sometimes with seemingly little awareness if not outright glorification of, strong themes of patriarchy, poverty, trauma and loss, and murder.
One such example is Beauty and the Beast. This classic tale of a lost girl turning a beast into a man also subtly depicts the dynamics of trauma bonding in Belle’s relationship with the Beast. This portrayal, though nuanced, can profoundly shape young viewers’ understanding of love and companionship. It distorts and normalizes power differentials and emotional manipulation, offering a troubling model of relational dynamics that can long outlast the childhood Disney story.
What is Trauma Bonding?
Trauma bonding refers to the emotional connection that can form between individuals in abusive or harmful circumstances. This bond typically develops as a survival mechanism, where the person experiencing harm becomes attached to the person causing harm due to the alternating patterns of physical and/or emotional neglect or abuse and reconciliation. The relationship is marked by fluctuating emotional extremes, with moments of care or affection followed by episodes of mistreatment or abuse.
Despite the abuse, the victim may feel a strong sense of loyalty to the abuser, sometimes rationalizing the abusive behavior or feeling sorry for them. They also may believe it is impossible to leave. The person who is causing harm may reinforce this bond by creating confusion and dependency, using love-bombing or promises of change to maintain control. This emotional attachment makes it challenging for the individual to escape the cycle, even when they recognize the harm being inflicted.
Similarly, Stockholm syndrome, which is more commonly understood, describes a psychological phenomenon where hostages or victims develop positive feelings toward their captors, often as a survival strategy. Stockholm syndrome is simply a specific kind of trauma-bonding particular to kidnapping situations. In essence, these phenomena both highlight the complicated dynamics that can arise in relationships marked by power imbalances and emotional turmoil.
At the heart of Beauty and the Beast is a narrative that epitomizes these dynamics. Belle is imprisoned by the Beast, who initially is frightening and aggressive. As she spends time in the castle, her feelings shift from fear to affection, suggesting that emotional ties can form even in difficult circumstances. Eventually, the victim, Belle, finds ways to appease the abuser, the Beast, and becomes his caretaker and rescuer. The woman taken prisoner and emotionally abused saves the man who abused her.
A Missed Opportunity
Beauty and the Beast could’ve served as an opportunity to educate children about the complexities of relationships, highlighting how trauma bonding can occur and why such dynamics are unhealthy. Instead of addressing these issues directly, the film romanticizes them. Rather than help young girls learn empowerment and respect, the movie instead sends a message that enduring hardship and pain is a hallmark of love.
Trauma bonding in the film is subtly woven into the relationship between Belle and the Beast through several fundamental dynamics: cycles of abuse and reconciliation, isolation and control, Stockholm Syndrome, and illusions of change. At the start, the Beast treats Belle harshly – locking her in the tower, yelling at her, and displaying a volatile temper. When she declines his dinner invitation, he roars, “If she doesn’t eat with me, she doesn’t eat at all.” However, after each outburst, he alternates with moments of vulnerability or kindness, such as when he gives Belle a library, apologizes for his behavior, or shares a tender moment over dinner. These emotional extremes—harsh treatment followed by brief kindness—can create confusion and attachment, making it difficult to distinguish reality.
Additionally, the Beast isolates Belle from the outside world, preventing her from leaving the castle and cutting off her connection to others. This isolation deepens her emotional dependency on him, leaving her with no support system and no way to escape except by winning his affection. This tactic of isolation, common in trauma bonding dynamics, makes it harder for the victim to see the situation clearly.
As time passes, Belle begins to empathize with the Beast, understanding his past and the reasons for his bitterness. This emotional connection, despite his abusive behavior, reflects Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim begins to develop positive feelings for their kidnapper in order to survive. The Beast’s gradual transformation from a cruel figure to a more caring one further strengthens Belle’s attachment.
In abusive relationships, the abuser often shows minor signs of change, creating hope that things will improve. Belle believes that love or patience can “fix” the Beast, reinforcing the idea that enduring mistreatment is part of a path to personal growth and love. The relationship culminates in the Beast’s physical transformation into a handsome prince, and the two are portrayed as a perfect couple. This final “change” reinforces the myth that love conquers all, even abusive behaviors.
These dynamics – marked by emotional highs and lows, isolation, control, and the illusion of change – exemplify the psychological patterns of trauma bonding. By romanticizing these dynamics, the film misses an opportunity to teach children about the importance of healthy, balanced relationships built on respect and mutual care. Rather, it teaches that pain and abuse lead to living happily ever after.
What Can be Done
While Beauty and the Beast offers valuable lessons about compassion and redemption, it also subtly romanticizes unhealthy relationship dynamics, such as trauma bonding and Stockholm syndrome. For young viewers, the portrayal of Belle and the Beast’s relationship can create confusion by blurring the lines between love and control, fostering the misconception that enduring suffering is a sign of true love. Even in the 2017 adaptation, these dynamics remain largely unchanged, reflecting a broader societal tendency to romanticize abusive behavior.
As you continue to enjoy these classic stories, it is important to examine the messages they send about love and relationships critically. By engaging in discussions about the complexities of trauma bonding and unhealthy relational patterns, you can help young audiences better understand the importance of mutual respect, kindness, and emotional support. In doing so, you can encourage healthier emotional development and foster a more realistic, compassionate view of relationships for future generations.
