Disney princesses are often seen as perfect characters, with smiles always on their lips and sparkling eyes at the sight of the slightest ray of sunshine. “They lived happily ever after and had many children,” they say. Yes, but. On December 16, the medical journal British Medical Journal published its Christmas issue, where scientists looked into a rather original theme: the health of the iconic Disney princesses if they were real. And the results are far from the sweet and peaceful daily life that animated films present!
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Snow White and Jasmine Facing Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety
In this article titled “Living happily ever after? The hidden health risks of Disney princesses,” scientists Sanne H B van Bijk, Michael Bui, and their colleagues took a look at the characters of Snow White, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Aurora, Mulan, Belle, and Rapunzel. “So far, research has focused on the effects of films on the health of viewers, neglecting to explore the health risks faced by the princesses themselves,” the article emphasizes.
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The study first analyzes the case of the first princess of the Disney universe, Snow White. Concerns about her loneliness are particularly highlighted as she is under the control of her wicked stepmother. Links are drawn between the lack of social interactions and cardiovascular diseases, depression, and anxiety. Princess Jasmine from the movie Aladdin faces a similar situation. The only exchanges she has are with palace members and her prince. She has no friends and thus confronts profound loneliness, which research associates with potential dementia, various mental health issues, or a “dysregulation of the immune system.”
Lung and cardiovascular diseases
Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle
Cinderella, on the other hand, would quickly face lung problems due to her exposure to dust and “ massive amounts of magical glitter ” spread by her fairy godmother. Cardiovascular diseases would pose a real threat to Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Sleeping too much increases the risk of ulcers and muscle atrophy, along with strokes, obesity, and diabetes.
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By constantly pulling on her hair, Rapunzel risks alopecia and constant migraines. According to scientists, it's for Belle from Beauty and the Beast that the risks would be the most significant. In contact with the Beast, she is threatened by infectious diseases like brucellosis or rabies. Therefore, scientists have drawn a conclusion: in the future, « Disney should consider interventions to address the health issues of its princesses. »
