Muscogliati Rodrigo, Hassanieh Aya, El Ballani Reine, Najem Zeina, Najem Leen, Frem Joe, Younes Khaled, Ezzeddine Dima, Safi Caren, Chedid Alexa, Al Najjar Reem, Najjar Elie
Centre for Spinal Studies and Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
Spine Deform. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s43390-025-01156-2.
Spinal deformities, particularly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), are associated with impaired self-image. This study aimed to systematically evaluate how spinal deformities are portrayed in Disney and Pixar animated films and to assess whether recurring visual and narrative stereotypes reflect psychosocial challenges reported by adolescents with AIS.
A systematic content analysis was conducted of all full-length Disney and Pixar films released from 1989 to 2025. Characters were included if they exhibited consistent anatomical features suggestive of kyphosis, scoliosis, or lordosis. Each character was assessed for physical, social, and moral traits using a standardized checklist. Clinical plausibility was confirmed by an FRCS-trained spine surgeon. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze prevalence and trait distribution.
Forty-eight characters met inclusion criteria, most showing kyphosis (79%). The majority were secondary (42%) or peripheral (35%) figures. Common portrayals included clumsiness (60%), frailty (42%), and frightening demeanor (33%). Only 27% were heroes and 19% were leaders. Female characters were underrepresented (27%).
Spinal deformity is frequently depicted in children's animation through lenses of physical and social inferiority. These portrayals may contribute to internalized stigma and identity challenges in adolescents with AIS. Clinicians should consider these cultural narratives when discussing appearance-related treatment options.
脊柱畸形，尤其是青少年特发性脊柱侧弯（AIS），与自我形象受损有关。本研究旨在系统评估迪士尼和皮克斯动画电影中脊柱畸形是如何呈现的，并评估反复出现的视觉和叙事刻板印象是否反映了AIS青少年所报告的心理社会挑战。
对1989年至2025年发行的所有迪士尼和皮克斯全长电影进行了系统的内容分析。如果角色表现出提示驼背、脊柱侧弯或脊柱前凸的一致解剖特征，则将其纳入研究。使用标准化清单对每个角色的身体、社会和道德特征进行评估。临床合理性由一名接受过FRCS培训的脊柱外科医生确认。描述性统计用于分析患病率和特征分布。
48个角色符合纳入标准，大多数表现为驼背（79%）。大多数是次要角色（42%）或边缘角色（35%）。常见的形象包括笨拙（60%）、虚弱（42%）和可怕的举止（33%）。只有27%是英雄，19%是领导者。女性角色的代表性不足（27%）。
脊柱畸形在儿童动画中经常通过身体和社会劣势的视角来描绘。这些描绘可能会导致AIS青少年的内化耻辱感和身份认同挑战。临床医生在讨论与外貌相关的治疗选择时应考虑这些文化叙事。
