Criminal Minds

This criminology show is a part of the crime drama era’s height during the 2000s but has a different lens. The psychological aspects of detective work are the focus rather than solely the lawful processes. The show hones in on varying serial killers in each episode with a team of detectives called the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). They fly to multiple locations to investigate crime scenes and compose a profile on the killer to prevent future fatal attacks from happening.

From mental disorders like Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder to the study of forensic psychology, Criminal Minds aims to expose audiences to what can cause individuals to commit heinous crimes. Although the show’s intent is there, John Delatorre, who has a psychology degree and vast experience and training in forensic psychology, states how the scenarios include fabricated qualities within the show. They convey the idea that profilers are the only job position within the BAU and can predict the thoughts of serial killers most of the time, which is misleading, according to Delatorre.

Lie to Me

Lie detector Dr. Lightman helps solve criminal cases by studying the facial expressions of suspects and inspecting every gesture. Micro-expressions, emotional displays that appear for only a brief moment, can leak what a person feels, which Dr. Lightman uses in this series to determine if suspects are telling the truth or lying. Association for Psychological Science (APS) states how the basis of the character is from Paul Ekman, who found some universal expressions people make, like those of happiness, anger, sadness, and fear.

The show includes correct psychological concepts but often does not follow through in its application. An emphasis on baselining, the study of a person to determine how they naturally act, is displayed in the show but soon becomes less of a focus. Despite its integral role in the lie detection process, this determining factor is seemingly abandoned and causes the show to lose its accurate reflection of lie detectors in real life.

Obsessed

An A&E reality show depicts people with anxiety disorders like obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder and how it impairs their daily lives. The patients film themselves to show their behaviors within their disorders and then undergo intense therapy for weeks to try to correct these behaviors.

Many watch television shows like Obsessed to see the struggles of others instead of trying to understand the disorder. It provides a more realistic grasp of how mental health can affect individuals, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Documentary-style reality shows are the best indicators of realistic psychological ideas within the entertainment industry. Their focus is on real people instead of characters in storylines, and they display how tackling a mental disorder is not a quick and easy fix.

All images are promotional material for their respective shows and movies