The Psychology of Superheroes; An Unauthorized Exploration

Unmasking superhuman abilities and double lives, this analysis showcases nearly two dozen psychologists as their essays explore the minds of pop culture's most intriguing and daring superheroes, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, and the X-Men. Exposing the inner thoughts that these reclusive heroes would only dare share with trained professionals, heady experts give detailed psychoanalyses of what makes specific superheroes tick while answering such questions asWhy do superheroes choose to be superheroes?Why is there so much prejudice against the X-Menmutants?What makes Spider-Man so altruistic?andWhy are supervillains so aggressive? Additionally, the essays tackle why superheroes have such an enduring effect on American culture.

Robin Rosenberg, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and coauthor of Abnormal Psychology, Fundamental of Psychology, and Psychology in Context. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.