Disney princesses considered harmful to the children's psyche

Psychologists from a private university in the United States have proved that Disney characters do irreparable harm to the children's psyche. This applies, first of all, to the cartoon princesses at Walt Disney.

The study was conducted by a team of specialists led by Sarah M. Coyne of Brigham Young University. According to them, Disney princesses make children susceptible to gender stereotypes.

The experiment involved 198 preschool children. They were offered different toys to choose from: girls - figures of princesses and tea sets, boys - figures of princesses and tools. Among other things, there were gender-neutral items: puzzles and colors.

Also, the authors of the project simultaneously conducted a survey among the parents of these children. They wanted to find out what their children were watching. This allowed them to trace the nature of the relationship between the children and the animated works of Walt Disney Studios. And also to trace whether there are gender stereotypes in the behavior of preschoolers.

Scientists have found that 96% of girls and 87% of boys like to watch cartoons with princesses, as well as play toys depicting such heroines. This turned out to be associated with a large manifestation of stereotypical views on women.

It is believed that this could be a problem. After all, girls begin to avoid everything that is connected with the image of femininity: they show less interest in exact sciences, design, experiments. As for the boys, they, according to scientists, become very soft and hyperresponsive.

Psychologists emphasize that you can not completely protect children from watching Disney cartoons about princesses. Parents should clarify the characteristics of gender behavior, despite the influences of media culture. Try to expand the circle of interests of your child.