In Disney's beloved film, The Little Mermaid, Ariel displays symptoms consistent with disposophobia, which is specifically defined as the fear of getting rid of things.
Understanding Disposophobia in The Little Mermaid
While not a formal clinical diagnosis, the concept of disposophobia accurately describes Ariel's compelling need to collect and retain human artifacts. Her expansive grotto, brimming with a vast array of objects ranging from "dinglehoppers" (forks) to statues and various human trinkets, serves as a primary illustration of this characteristic.
This behavior aligns closely with aspects of hoarding disorder, a recognized condition characterized by persistent difficulty parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. The distress associated with discarding items, regardless of their actual value, is a hallmark.
Here's a breakdown of how this mental health aspect manifests in The Little Mermaid:
| Mental Health Aspect | Description | Manifestation in Ariel |
|---|---|---|
| Disposophobia | The overwhelming fear of getting rid of things. | Her extensive collection of human artifacts in a hidden grotto. |
Key Characteristics as Seen in Ariel:
- Accumulation of Items: Ariel actively seeks out and gathers a vast and diverse collection of human objects, often without any practical use for them in her underwater environment.
- Emotional Attachment to Objects: She assigns significant personal value and emotional importance to each item, seeing them as pieces of a world she longs to join. Her song "Part of Your World" highlights this deep connection to her collection.
- Difficulty Parting with Possessions: The idea of discarding any of her treasured items seems unthinkable to Ariel, reinforcing the "fear of getting rid of things."
While Ariel's narrative focuses on her desire to be human and find love, her elaborate grotto and the importance she places on her collection provide a subtle, yet clear, depiction of behaviors associated with disposophobia, reflecting a deep-seated urge to collect and keep.
For further information on related conditions, you can learn more about Hoarding Disorder from reputable sources like the National Institute of Mental Health.
