Batman and Psychology Quotes

“[On the subject of Heath Ledger's Joker] This character who attracts psychotic henchmen may have lingering symptoms from his own past psychosis. He keeps making involuntary, repetitive movements—flicking his tongue, smacking his mouth—which suggest tardive dyskinesia, a condition that arises as a consequence of long-term or high-dosage use of antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication.”
― Travis Langley, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight

“Sickos never scare me. At least they’re committed.” —Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer)”
― Travis Langley, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight

“When is posttraumatic stress pathological? The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV23 or DSM-IV-TR24)b lays out specific criteria. Criterion A: Trauma. Yes, the event that created Batman (1) involved death or physical danger and (2) horrified the survivor. Criterion B: Persistent re-experiencing. Yes, Bruce re-experiences his parents’ murders through recurrent, vivid recollections and”
― Travis Langley, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight

“While "bad boys" usually have more sexual experience than "nice guys," sexual activity isn't the foremost defining criterion for being considered a "bad boy," whereas researchers who write about "bad girls" distinguish them from "nice girls" in terms of sexual expressiveness and promiscuity. The women most important to Batman, though sexually active, are not wantonly promiscuous. They have standards. No, they're "bad girls" in much the same way Batman's a "bad boy," and therein lies the mutual attraction.”
― Travis Langley, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight

“The mask can make it easier for the hero to lose control.
"For superheros worried about not crossing the line - not being more violent than they need to be to apprehend the villain - wearing a mask can make it harder to monitor that line," psychologist Robin Rosenberg asserts...”
― Travis Langley, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight