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The surprising science of feeling happier after watching Spirited Away

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. eeling-happier-after-watching-spirited-away.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 7:06 GMT by Asia One
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Spirited Away and the Science of Joy: How a Japanese Classic Can Lighten Your Mood

In a striking twist on the age‑old debate about media and mental health, a recent study shows that watching Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 animated masterpiece Spirited Away can actually boost viewers’ happiness levels. The findings, detailed in a 2024 paper from the Journal of Positive Psychology, were highlighted by a feature in Asia One that explores the intersection of art, science, and everyday wellbeing. This article distills the key points of that coverage, unpacks the research methodology, and situates the study within broader conversations about the therapeutic power of storytelling.

The Core Discovery

The research team, led by Dr. Li‑Yun Chen from the National University of Singapore, recruited 300 participants across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Each subject was randomly assigned to one of three groups: a Spirited Away viewing group, a control group that watched a neutral documentary, and a baseline group that did not watch any media during the study period.

After watching Spirited Away (or their assigned content), participants completed the PANAS‑P (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), a validated measure of subjective mood. Results indicated a statistically significant increase—averaging 12%—in positive affect scores among the Spirited Away group, while negative affect scores dropped by roughly 8%. In contrast, the documentary group saw no meaningful change, and the baseline group displayed a slight, non‑significant decline over the same time frame.

Importantly, the effect persisted when the Spirited Away group was tested again a week later, suggesting a lasting impact rather than a fleeting novelty response.

Why Spirited Away Works

Dr. Chen’s analysis points to several filmic elements that may underlie the observed mood lift:

1. Narrative Resolution and Moral Clarity – The protagonist, Chihiro, confronts challenges, learns resilience, and ultimately returns home transformed. Viewers report a sense of catharsis that mirrors their own personal growth.

2. Visual Richness and Auditory Comfort – The lush animation, coupled with Joe Hisaishi’s melodic score, offers an immersive aesthetic that stimulates both the visual and auditory senses, a combination known to elevate dopamine release.

3. Cultural Universality – Although steeped in Japanese folklore, the film’s themes of kindness, perseverance, and environmental stewardship resonate globally, fostering a sense of connection across diverse audiences.

4. Emotional Contagion – The film’s pacing allows for intermittent emotional highs and lows, enabling viewers to experience a controlled range of feelings that culminate in a net positive experience.

The research also compared Spirited Away to other well‑known animated films. When participants watched a comparable Disney movie (Finding Nemo), the mood lift was smaller, suggesting that the unique blend of visual artistry and storytelling in Miyazaki’s work may be key.

Broader Context and Related Studies

The article references prior investigations into media’s psychological effects. For instance, a 2019 study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), found that watching The Lion King increased participants’ optimism scores by 9%. Meanwhile, research on mindfulness meditation apps has shown similar short‑term mood enhancements, but with less enduring effects than the Spirited Away study reports.

In addition, Asia One notes that the study aligns with the WHO’s 2020 guidelines on mental health promotion, which emphasize accessible, low‑cost interventions such as art and storytelling. “Screen‑based interventions are not a panacea, but they can be a valuable adjunct to traditional therapy,” the article quotes Dr. Chen.

Practical Takeaways

For readers wondering how to leverage these findings, the article offers a three‑step framework:

1. Curate a “Mood‑Boosting” Playlist – Incorporate a mix of culturally diverse animated films with strong moral arcs.
2. Schedule Viewing Sessions – Allocate 30‑minute blocks during the week for intentional watching, followed by a brief reflection period (e.g., journaling or sharing thoughts with a friend).
3. Track Mood Changes – Use simple tools like mood‑tracking apps or a paper log to monitor emotional shifts over time.

By treating film viewing as a structured therapeutic practice, individuals can harness the emotional benefits of Spirited Away without needing formal medical supervision.

Critiques and Caveats

While the study’s sample size is robust and its methodology rigorous, critics point out potential limitations. The research participants were predominantly young adults (ages 18‑35), raising questions about generalizability to older populations. Also, the study did not control for participants’ prior familiarity with the film; pre‑existing affection for Spirited Away could inflate the mood effect.

Dr. Chen acknowledges these concerns and proposes future research involving a broader age range and blind controls (i.e., participants who do not know the film’s title before viewing). She also notes the need to investigate cumulative effects of repeated viewings across months, which could inform long‑term mental health strategies.

Conclusion

The Asia One feature brings to light a compelling link between cinematic storytelling and emotional wellbeing, offering evidence that a beloved piece of art like Spirited Away can serve as a surprisingly potent mood enhancer. While the findings invite further exploration, they also reinforce the timeless wisdom that stories have the power to heal and uplift. For anyone seeking a low‑cost, accessible boost to daily happiness, simply settling in with a good movie might just be the best prescription.