I’ve been watching Yellowjackets” a series that follows the story of a group of high school girls who survive a plane crash and are forced to survive in the wilderness. The series explores a wide range of psychological themes and concepts through the complex and multifaceted characters of the show. Many of the themes have strangely reminded me of the trauma I experienced training to become a therapist.

Trauma is one of the central psychological themes in “Yellowjackets”. The plane crash and the girls’ subsequent survival in the wilderness cause significant trauma that has long-lasting effects on the characters’ mental health and behavior. The show portrays the different ways in which individuals cope with these difficulties, with some turning to substance abuse, while others become paranoid and detached from reality.

The series also explores the psychological concept of power dynamics and their influence on group behavior. As the girls struggle to survive in the wilderness, power struggles and rivalries emerge, leading to conflicts and tensions between the characters. The show highlights the ways in which power dynamics can shape group behavior and lead to destructive outcomes.

Additionally, the show touches on the psychological concept of identity and the ways in which trauma can influence one’s sense of self. As the characters struggle to survive in the wilderness, they are forced to confront their own mortality and re-evaluate their priorities and values. This experience leads to a transformation in their sense of self and their understanding of their place in the world.
In some this challenge leads to personal growth and development. As the characters face challenges and obstacles, they are forced to confront their fears and weaknesses and find the strength to overcome them. This process of personal growth and development is a central aspect of the show and provides a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit.

In the midst of all the challenges the girls face it becomes evident that there is the presence supernatural phenomena in the forest, this raises questions about the nature of reality and the extent to which the characters’ experiences are influenced by their psychological states.
One of the key supernatural elements in the series is the character of Shauna’s visions, which seem to provide her with insights into the future and the fate of the group. These visions could be interpreted as a manifestation of Shauna’s psychological state, as she struggles to cope with the trauma of the plane crash and the challenges of survival in the wilderness. Similarly, Travis’s ghost appears to be a manifestation of the guilt and regret that the characters feel about the events leading up to the plane crash. The ghost’s appearances could be seen as a projection of the characters’ unresolved emotions and their need for closure and redemption.
The supernatural elements also highlight the role of belief systems and their influence on human behavior. For example, the character of Natalie becomes increasingly convinced that the group’s survival is tied to the mystical power of the “Yellowjacket Queen,” leading her to make increasingly extreme decisions in pursuit of this belief. This storyline raises questions about the power of belief and the ways in which it can shape our understanding of reality and influence our behavior.

The characters begin to use sacrifice and rituals as a way to cope with their traumatic experiences and to create a sense of order and control in their chaotic situation. This form of magical thinking or superstition, is a common coping mechanism in situations of extreme stress and uncertainty. The use of rituals are tied to the characters’ belief in the power of the “Yellowjacket Queen” and the mystical forces that they believe are guiding their survival. The rituals and sacrifices that they perform are seen as a way to appease these forces and to ensure their continued protection it also feels like a way to assert control over their environment and to create a sense of order in a chaotic and unpredictable situation. By performing rituals and making sacrifices, they are able to establish a sense of structure and routine in their daily lives, which can be comforting and reassuring in a situation where everything else is uncertain.

However, it also highlights the dangerous potential of belief systems and their influence on human behavior. As the characters become increasingly focused, they become more and more willing to engage in extreme and dangerous behaviors in pursuit of their goals. This storyline raises important questions about the power of belief and the ways in which it can influence our behavior, for better or for worse.