The Deconstruction of Transgenerational Trauma Within the Skywalker Family

Master's Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Psychology - Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology, Prevention, grade: 2.0, , language: English, abstract: In the realm of scientific inquiry, the Star Wars saga emerges as a unique and enduring subject of study, captivating the intellectual curiosity of millions worldwide. This paper delves into the Skywalker family, utilizing psychotherapy and film analysis to illuminate the interplay of psychological trauma, family dynamics, and resilience. The Star Wars narrative transcends cinematic entertainment, offering insights into the human condition. Film as a storytelling medium allows for empathetic engagement with characters' experiences, serving as a tool to comprehend the psychological dimensions of the Skywalker family, underpinned by Lothar Mikos's critical film analysis. This paper defines trauma, emphasizing transgenerational trauma and epigenetics, highlighting its influence on the characters. It explores family dynamics through attachment theory and family therapy, alongside resilience's role in overcoming adversity. The research adopts a systemic family therapy perspective, employing a genogram to depict family dynamics. Character analyses of key Skywalker family members, from Anakin Skywalker to Princess Leia Organa, unveil the psychological depths of these iconic characters. In the third generation, the paper assesses Ben Solo's (Kylo Ren) psychological journey, tracing the impact of family history and his path to redemption. This study offers a profound analysis of the Skywalker family, drawing from psychology, film analysis, and systemic family therapy. It sheds light on enduring themes within the Star Wars universe, revealing the profound psychological dimensions that make it a cherished narrative through the lens of psychotherapy and film analysis.