TheKicksShrink
TheKicksShrink
Minisode 107: What The Last of Us Teaches Us | Psychiatrist EXPLAINS!
Minisode 107: What The Last of Us Teaches Us | Psychiatrist EXPLAINS!
Minisode 107: What The Last of Us Teaches Us | Psychiatrist EXPLAINS!
Friday 2nd May 2025
Explore the emotional impact of 'The Last of Us Part II' with Dr. Mirza, uncovering why Joel's death felt so personal and the psychology behind gaming grief.
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8 minutes
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Engaging
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Supportive
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Get the buttons here!The Psychology Behind Gaming Grief: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mirza
Episode Overview
- Explores how video games create strong emotional bonds with characters.
- Discusses the psychological impact of character deaths in gaming.
- Analyses the five stages of grief experienced by players.
- Examines the narrative twist in 'The Last of Us Part II'.
- Highlights how gaming can be both emotionally challenging and therapeutic.
You didn't just play a story. You felt it. You grieved it.
Ever felt like a video game character's death hit you harder than it should? You're not alone, and Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, aka TheKicksShrink, is here to explain why. In this episode, Dr. Mirza takes a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster that is 'The Last of Us Part II'. He explores how our brains form strong emotional bonds with fictional characters, known as parasocial relationships, and why Joel's death felt like a personal loss to many players. Dr.
Mirza, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, breaks down the psychological warfare at play in video games, focusing on how 'The Last of Us Part II' pushes players through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. With engaging anecdotes and relatable insights, he explains how the interactive nature of gaming creates a 'self-presence', making you feel as though you are the character. But it doesn't stop there.
The episode also tackles the controversial narrative twist where players are forced to step into the shoes of Joel's killer, Abby. This narrative shift is likened to relational trauma, challenging players' empathy and forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. Dr. Mirza's reflections on this game offer a unique perspective on how video games can be both emotionally taxing and therapeutic.
If you're curious about the psychological impact of your favourite games and what they reveal about your own emotions, this episode is a must-listen. It might just change how you see your virtual adventures forever.