Citation

Smith S. Transcult. Psychiatry 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Independent Researcher.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, McGill University, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1363461520901638

PMID

32098580

Abstract

Transcultural psychiatry has increased awareness of alternative approaches to mental health and wellbeing, influencing developments in Western psychotherapeutic treatments. In this article, I look at the recent interest in alternative therapies by the U.S. military, which has explored the possibilities of lucid dreaming in order to help soldiers cope with the adverse mental and emotional effects of combat-commonly referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this context of concerns about effective rehabilitation and the cost of veteran care, I examine the popular science fiction films Avatar and Inception, which have been discussed in the media as illustrations of the potential use of lucid dreaming and digitally created virtual worlds to "heal" the minds of soldiers affected by modern warfare. In these media portrayals, psychology and science fiction come together to envision and promote human-machine fantasies of the endlessly salvageable and, therefore ultimately, invincible American soldier.

Language: en

Keywords

lucid dreaming; media psychiatry; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); science fiction; traumatic brain injury (TBI)