Let's discuss how (Earthdeus) Rudeus, the protagonist of MT experiences and deals with trauma, and how it impacted his introspective journey towards healing in Season 1.
To understand Rudeus's trauma, we must first discuss his life before reincarnation. Rudeus experienced severe bullying/sexual abuse in school. C-PTSD can have long-lasting effects on mental health and social functioning. (D'Andrea et al., 2012)
Trauma disrupts the brain's ability to process emotions and social cues, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships (Van der Kolk, 2014). Sexual Trauma may find deviant ways of expression and for Rudeus, his manifest through shame and hypersexualization
Rudeus' isolation from society further compounded the negative effects of his trauma. Social isolation is linked to cognitive decline, poor mental health, and reduced overall well-being (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010).
Humans are social creatures; we rely on interactions with others for cognitive development and learning (Vygotsky, 1978). Rudeus' lack of social interactions may have hindered his ability to develop critical social skills.
Rudeus' experiences on Earth illustrate how the combination of trauma and isolation can have a profound impact on a person's psychological development, affecting their ability to form relationships and navigate social situations.
Rudeus's reincarnation into a new world presents an opportunity for healing; psychologically, cognitively, emotionally, and even spiritually. As he learns magic, martial arts, and social skills, he gains a sense of purpose and belonging that was absent in his previous life.
A key to healing would be social skills, coping skills, and for Rudeus's healing journey they are the caring relationships he forms. Characters like Roxy, Eris, and Ruijerd encourage Rudeus to confront his past, respect boundaries, face his fears, and build his self-esteem.
As Rudeus becomes more aware of his trauma and its impact on his behavior, he starts to take accountability for his actions. By understanding and empathizing with others, he learns to form healthier relationships and break the cycle of sexual shame and Trauma.
In a later thread or video I'll be taking apart why and how sex and sexuality is used in Mushoku Tensei as Turning Points and how a turning point may not always be a good thing as they've been big hurdles of learning, love, pain, and trauma for Rudeus.
Overall Mushoku Tensei is a beautiful story about change and growth! This is just one out of many things that Rudeus is dealing with in Mushoku Tensei Season 1. I hope that this thread gives some insight into the weight of Rudeus's Trauma at the very beginning of the show.
If you like these little psychological breakdowns, then please drop a follow or if you have any topics you want me to discuss let me know. I also analyzed MT S1 on Youtube. I am analyzing some chapters of the LN on Youtube and Twitch so come join <3
I found the attachment between Eris and Rudeus in the first season of Mushoku Tensei fascinating. Let's take a deep dive into their evolving relationship and explore why Eris had to leave Rudeus. (Only covers S1) #MushokuTensei#Psychology#anime#manga
Eris and Rudeus start off with a rocky relationship. Eris, often resorts to violence to express her emotions. Rudeus, on the other hand has low self-esteem due to his past life experiences. This dynamic sets the stage for a rather tumultuous bond (Eisenberger & Lieberman, 2004).
However as they spend more time together their relationship begins to evolve. Rudeus helps Eris improve her behavior and develop her skills, while Eris provides Rudeus with companionship and a sense of belonging (Bowlby, 1969). Their mutual experiences foster a strong connection.
First of many small breakdowns of psych topics let’s start with Subaru’s parataxic distortion of Emilia. Parataxic distortion is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual's perception of reality is distorted by their filters, past experiences, and emotions.
Subaru strongly attaches himself to Emilia as the first person who showed a sense of empathy to him. Emilia is a kind, caring person who might resemble what he idealizes in his mind. He projects his desires onto her and creates an image of her that is distorted by his emotions.
As a result, Subaru's perception of Emilia is skewed. He believes that she is someone who will always be there for him, no matter what. He becomes anxious/fearfully attached to her and starts to act as the one who must save her and the white knight if you will.