Exploring the Emotional Depth of 'Frozen': First-Year Student Aila Kapllanaj & Dr. Jill M. Swirsky Uncover the Psychology Behind the Magic
What makes the Disney classic Frozen so emotionally powerful? Dr. Jill M. Swirsky, assistant professor of psychology, and Aila Kapllanaj, a first-year biochemistry student at Holy Family University, set out to answer that question in their newly published article, Conceal, Don’t Feel: Exploring Emotional Experiences in Disney’s Frozen. Featured in the spring 2025 issue of Eye on Psi Chi, the official publication of the International Honor Society in Psychology, their research unpacks the film’s rich emotional landscape through the lens of psychology.
Drawing on Paul Ekman’s six primary emotions—happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise—Swirsky and Kapllanaj analyze how Elsa’s journey mirrors real-world emotional experiences. They explore how fear of her powers drives Elsa into isolation, how stress triggers a fight-or-flight response, and how self-acceptance ultimately leads to happiness. By applying established psychological theories, they reveal Frozen as more than just a beloved animated film—it’s a lesson in emotional resilience and mental well-being.
This unique professor-student collaboration highlights the power of interdisciplinary learning, blending psychology and storytelling to make complex concepts engaging and accessible. Their work showcases how popular media can serve as a valuable tool for understanding emotions and mental health.
Aila Kapllanaj is a first-year college student and a biochemistry major with a neuroscience minor. She plans to become a doctor one day and in her free time, she likes to write.
Jill Swirsky, Ph.D., is currently an assistant professor of psychology at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA. Her research interests include peer relationships and social dynamics among early adolescents (e.g., aggression, victimization, and popularity) as well as the role of social media behaviors in adolescent development and adjustment. She is also an avid lover of musical theater, fantasy novels, and all things fandom. In her (admittedly extremely limited) free time, Dr. S enjoys binge-watching Netflix with her partner (Mike) and cats (Newt and Copper), crafting, and writing snail-mail letters to her many pen pals. Follow her on LinkedIn or email her at jswirsky@holyfamily.edu.