A Psychoanalytic Analysis of Emotional Development in Inside out (2015) Film

Authors

  • Gracia Isabela Sabathini Tarihoran MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • John Prince Miarso MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • judith Graciella Waworundeng MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Anaya Kiley Leticia Goni MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Brietta Ruth Febrina Siringoringo MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

Psychoanalysis, Freudian, Psyche, Defense Mechanism, Unconsciousness

Abstract

This study looks at emotional development and inner conflict in Inside Out (2015) film, using Freud's psychoanalytic theory, specifically the id, ego, and superego, as a lens. Prior to gathering the data, key scenes, dialogues, and visual details were observed and rewatched, then analyzed based on Freud's structural model of psyche. As a result: 1) Suppressing negative emotions, especially Sadness, causes psychological conflict and emotional imbalance, as Joy’s attempt to maintain “only positive feelings”, it causes Riley confusion to express herself on trying to adapt to her new life.  2) Each emotions represents to different psychological function: Joy acts as the superego enforcing happiness as the priority in Riley’s psyche, Sadness represents vulnerable but necessary needs, while Anger, Fear, and Disgust reflect the instinctual impulses of the id; their constant struggle mirrors the conflict within every human mind. 3) Psychological maturity and true emotional growth only happens when the ego successfully mediates and integrates all emotions, not by suppressing any feeling; Riley finally understands that Sadness is also a genuine emotion, and when she expresses her true feelings to her parents, her ego successfully balancing all sides, and accepting all emotions. The film backs up Freud's idea pretty well: a healthy personality depends on keeping the id, ego, and superego in balance, and when emotions get suppressed instead of processed, that tension has to go somewhere. It emphasizes the importance of integrating all feelings especially in children’s development on their behavior and growth.      

References

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Docter, P., & Del Carmen, R. (Directors). (2015). Inside Out [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures; Pixar Animation Studios.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Tarihoran, G. I. S., Miarso, J. P., Waworundeng, judith G., Goni, A. K. L., & Siringoringo, B. R. F. (2026). A Psychoanalytic Analysis of Emotional Development in Inside out (2015) Film. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 4(1), 1–14. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/54

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): BOANERGES

Section

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