The Last of Us: why does a psychologist think the series’ protagonist is the ideal father?

The Last of Us” (The Last of Us) attracted not only with its exciting plot based on a computer game, but also with its complex psychological relationships. Behind the atmospheric post-apocalyptic picture are hidden pressing life problems and feelings of the heroes: quarrels in the family, friendship, betrayal, love, courage.

One of the main plot lines of the series is the theme of the relationship between father and daughter. Despite the not at all ideal external conditions of life, smuggler Joel was able to surround his daughter with care and love. Raised a strong strong personality. Then he had to hone his fatherly skills in his relationship with another heroine.

We understand the strategies together with psychologist Stanislav Sambursky and take them on board.

Clinical and business psychologist

The birth of a daughter can cause a profound transformation, reassessment and change of habitual patterns of behavior. The man enters the role of his animus. In this way, he transmits to his daughter her “inner man”.

The right archetype of the father is the basis for further building a full and healthy relationship. The hero of the series can serve as a model here. Why?

If a girl in childhood is deprived of warmth and participation on the part of her father, she dooms herself to an eternal search for an ideal. She throws herself into destructive relationships where she tries to earn love. A father teaches her to build boundaries. And that’s the key to physical and mental safety. In the end, the daughter-father relationship is about being able to broadcast and receive love.

Sarah’s story

In the TV series “One of Us,” the main character Joel is a wonderful and caring parent. He acts from the position of an adult, that is, he takes responsibility. The hero lives feelings and emotions, not involving his daughter in them. His calmness is Sarah’s support for proper development. We can say that there is a natural education of empathy. The girl understands and discerns feelings, but is not afraid to express them, knowing that she will be met with understanding and support.

Joelle wears her watch (a gift from her daughter) even when it is broken. This symbolic moment demonstrates the sensitivity and importance of all that is precious to a child. It is a statement to the world, “I am, I exist, and I am loved!”

A lot of tactile contact between father and daughter can be seen. Joel holds Sarah’s face in his hands. She puts her arms around her father’s neck. This is important in forming a trusting and open relationship. In this way a safe and secure type of attachment is formed.

This plays out in positive self-esteem. The chance of an adult daughter entering into a relationship with a destructive partner is zero. She’s not in danger of victim psychology.

The Ellie story

Joel’s figure is a benchmark of parental involvement. Even after Sarah’s death, he continues his journey with another heroine Ellie. She is characterized by a more stroppy character. Ellie as a typical teenager is prone to dramatization.

But she does not encounter force, resistance and aggression from a significant figure, but finds understanding. Joel becomes a significant figure for the girl, a guide in the struggle between good and bad. The scenes where they admire beautiful landscapes speak volumes. So goes the education of morality.

An interesting point is that the series shows Joel’s native and “adopted” daughter. But we see how the hero remains healthy and responsible, despite all the horrors of what is happening. He is able to give protection, support and warmth to his daughters.