Psychological Analysis of Princess Diana's Eating Disorder in "Spencer": A Movie

analysis of Bulimia Nervosa

Department of Psychology, Sri Aurobindo College (eve) University of Delhi

Understanding Psychological Disorder

December 7, 2023

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Purpose:

Unveiling Diana's Psychological Turmoil:

This analysis embarks on an intricate exploration of Princess Diana's inner turmoil depicted in

"Spencer," with a primary focus on her poignant struggle with an eating disorder. It seeks to

meticulously dissect the multifaceted layers of emotions, behaviors, and psychological complexities

portrayed in the film, aiming to unravel the profound psychological underpinnings that contributed to

her disorder.

Understanding Societal Dynamics:

Beyond examining Diana's individual psychological landscape, this analysis endeavors to

delve into the societal dynamics that significantly influenced and exacerbated her struggles. By

unraveling the interplay between her personal vulnerabilities and the immense societal pressures

imposed upon her as a public figure, it aims to illuminate the complex web of influences that shaped

her experience.

Humanizing Diana's Experience:

Through an empathetic lens of psychology, this analysis seeks to humanize Diana's narrative,

transcending the royal persona to uncover the vulnerable human behind the title. By immersing deeply

into her emotional journey as depicted in the film, it aims to present a relatable and emotive portrayal

that resonates with individuals facing similar challenges, fostering a profound connection to her

plight.

Relevance:

Dispelling Stigma and Misconceptions:

The analysis endeavors to demystify the intricacies of eating disorders by offering an intimate

portrayal of Diana's struggles. By meticulously dissecting the psychological nuances depicted in

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"Spencer," it aims to dispel misconceptions and societal stigma surrounding these

often-misunderstood mental health conditions, fostering a more informed and empathetic

understanding.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion:

Engaging deeply with Diana's internal landscape allows for a profound emotional connection,

fostering empathy and compassion for individuals grappling with eating disorders. By delving into the

emotional intricacies depicted in the film, it encourages a heartfelt and empathetic understanding of

the challenges faced by those navigating similar psychological battles.

Highlighting Societal Influences on Mental Health:

Through a critical examination of the societal pressures and expectations imposed upon

Diana, the analysis aims to underscore the detrimental impact of societal scrutiny on mental health.

By shedding light on the immense stressors and relentless public scrutiny faced by individuals in the

public eye, it emphasises the crucial role of societal support and understanding in mitigating the

severity of such conditions.

In essence, this comprehensive analysis seeks to provide a profound and nuanced exploration

of Princess Diana's psychological journey depicted in "Spencer." It aims to offer insight, empathy, and

a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between personal vulnerabilities, societal pressures,

and the complexities of eating disorders, thereby fostering a more informed and compassionate

societal dialogue surrounding mental health.

Acknowledging the Context:

This film, while providing an invaluable glimpse into Diana's life, must be recognized as a

fictionalized representation of her experiences. It's essential to approach the depiction of eating

disorders with sensitivity and responsibility, understanding that cinematic portrayals often simplify or

dramatize complex mental health issues. While the movie offers insights, it's vital to remember that

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the reality of eating disorders is multifaceted, and any representation in a film might not encapsulate

the full scope of these conditions.

Setting the Stage:

"Spencer" immerses viewers into the opulent yet suffocating environment of Sandringham

during the Christmas holidays. This setting acts as a pressure cooker, exacerbating societal

expectations and intensifying familial tensions. Within this grand yet confining backdrop, Diana

grapples with the overwhelming constraints imposed by her marriage to Prince Charles. The film

becomes a psychological canvas, vividly painting the intricate struggles of an individual battling an

eating disorder.

The opulence of Sandringham's estate juxtaposed with the emotional turmoil Diana

experiences creates a poignant backdrop for exploring the complexities of her mental health. The

weight of tradition, royal protocols, and the scrutiny of the public eye converge with Diana's internal

struggles, amplifying the challenges she faces.

The film, through its portrayal of Diana's interactions and inner turmoil, delves into the

psychological pressures and expectations placed upon her. The lavish yet claustrophobic setting serves

as a metaphor for the conflicting forces influencing Diana's psyche. The movie invites viewers to

witness the intricate interplay between external pressures and internal battles, shedding light on the

emotional toll of living within the royal family's rigid structures while contending with personal

demons.

By establishing this richly layered setting and context, "Spencer" crafts a narrative that not

only portrays Diana's external circumstances but also seeks to delve into the intricate, nuanced

landscape of her mental and emotional struggles, particularly concerning her experience with an

eating disorder.

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 Analyzing "Spencer": A Deeper Dive into the Film's Psychological Landscape

Plot and Themes:

"Spencer" takes us on a journey through the claustrophobic confines of Sandringham during

the Christmas holidays. This setting serves as a microcosm for Diana's internal struggle, amplifying

the suffocating pressure of her opulent yet stifling life.

Isolation and Entrapment:

The film masterfully creates a sense of Diana's isolation, both within the vastness of the estate

and within her own marriage. The rigid structure of royal life, with its strict protocols and unwavering

expectations, further intensifies her feeling of entrapment. We see this manifested in scenes like the

Christmas feast, where the weighing of guests and the forced merriment highlight the suffocating

atmosphere.

Contemplating Escape:

Throughout the film, Diana grapples with the desire to break free from the constraints of her

life. This is evident in her recurring dreams and fantasies, which offer her temporary solace from the

harsh reality. We witness this in scenes like her dance sequence in the empty ballroom, where she

liberates herself through movement and imagination.

The Impact of Trauma:

The film subtly alludes to Diana's past experiences, suggesting that unresolved trauma plays a

significant role in her current mental state. We see glimpses of her childhood through flashbacks,

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hinting at a lack of emotional support and potential neglect. These experiences likely contributed to

her vulnerability to developing an eating disorder as a coping mechanism.

Societal Expectations and Scrutiny:

The film portrays the relentless public scrutiny Diana faces as a member of the royal family.

The constant media attention and pressure to maintain a perfect image exacerbate her anxiety and

negatively impact her self-esteem. This is evident in scenes like the paparazzi chase, where the

intrusion and lack of privacy leave her feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Character Portrayals:

Diana:

Kristen Stewart delivers a nuanced portrayal of Diana, capturing both her vulnerability and

her inner strength. We witness her emotional turmoil through her facial expressions, subtle gestures,

and the haunting echoes of her inner voice. The film effectively portrays the cyclical nature of her

eating disorder, showcasing the guilt, shame, and despair that accompany each episode.

Charles:

The film portrays Prince Charles as a distant and emotionally unavailable figure, contributing

to Diana's feelings of loneliness and isolation. His inability to connect with her on an emotional level

leaves her feeling unsupported and further exacerbates her internal struggles.

The Royal Family:

The film depicts the royal family as an institution steeped in tradition and rigid expectations.

Their adherence to protocol and their inability to acknowledge Diana's individuality contribute to her

sense of being trapped and misunderstood. This is evident in scenes like the Christmas dinner, where

her attempts to express her feelings are met with disapproval and dismissal.

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 Inferences from the Movie:

● Eating Disorders as a Coping Mechanism: The film suggests that Diana's eating disorder

serves as a coping mechanism for her emotional distress, allowing her to temporarily escape

the pressures and anxieties of her life.

● The Power of Imagination: Diana finds solace and a sense of agency through her imagination.

Her dreams and fantasies offer her a temporary escape from the harsh reality of her situation.

● The Importance of Self-Awareness: While initially struggling with denial, Diana demonstrates

a growing awareness of the negative impact of her eating disorder and the need to seek help.

● The Need for Empathy and Support: The film highlights the importance of empathy and

support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Diana's isolation and lack of

emotional support exacerbate her struggles.

● The Societal Impact on Mental Health: The film critiques the unrealistic expectations and

pressures placed upon individuals, particularly within the public eye. These societal factors

can significantly contribute to the development and exacerbation of mental health issues.

In-Depth Identification of the Client in "Spencer": Diana, Princess of Wales

Client: Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales

Informant:

● Movie narrative: Provides a detailed account of Diana's actions, interactions, and emotional

state throughout the Christmas holidays at Sandringham.

● Diana's thoughts and inner dialogues: The film utilizes flashbacks and voiceovers to reveal

Diana's inner turmoil, anxieties, and memories.

● Nonverbal communication: Subtle facial expressions, gestures, and body language offer

additional insights into Diana's emotional state and coping mechanisms.

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 Chief Complaints:

● Isolation and Entrapment: The film portrays Diana's sense of isolation within the royal family,

highlighting the rigid structure and expectations that restrict her freedom and individuality.

● Marital Dissatisfaction: The portrayal of Charles as emotionally distant and unsupportive

contributes to Diana's feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction within the marriage.

● Fear of Scrutiny and Judgment: Constant media attention and the pressure to maintain a

perfect public image exacerbate Diana's anxiety and negatively impact her self-esteem.

● Shame and Guilt: The cyclical nature of the eating disorder is depicted, including the guilt and

shame associated with binge eating and purging behaviours.

History of Present Illness:

● Early Onset: The film suggests that Diana's bulimia nervosa symptoms began in her early

twenties, potentially as a coping mechanism for her emotional struggles and anxieties.

● Exacerbation by Royal Life: The pressures of royal life, including the rigid protocols, public

scrutiny, and lack of emotional support, are shown to exacerbate Diana's eating disorder

symptoms.

● Cyclicality of Symptoms: Throughout the film, we witness Diana's struggle with binge eating

and purging behaviors, highlighting the cyclical nature of the disorder.

A Deeper Look into Diana's Background: Family, Personal History, and Education

Medical History:

While the movie doesn't explicitly state any specific medical conditions besides bulimia

nervosa, there are subtle hints that suggest potential underlying issues. Diana's frequent bouts of

physical illness, coupled with her reliance on medication, point towards the possibility of other health

concerns. However, the film primarily focuses on the psychological impact of her eating disorder,

leaving the full extent of her medical history open to exploration.

Legal History:

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 Given Diana's position as a member of the royal family, legal matters likely fell under a

different jurisdiction than the public eye. The film doesn't delve into any legal entanglements Diana

may have faced, indicating a focus on her personal struggles rather than legal issues.

Family History:

The film paints a picture of a complex family dynamic that significantly impacted Diana's

emotional well-being.

● Parents' Divorce: Diana's parents divorced when she was young, which likely contributed to

feelings of instability and emotional neglect. This early experience might have made her

vulnerable to develop coping mechanisms like her eating disorder.

● Mother's Emotional Distance: The film portrays Diana's mother as emotionally unavailable,

leaving Diana feeling unsupported and lacking a key source of comfort during her formative

years. This could have further exacerbated her feelings of isolation and loneliness.

● Supportive but Limited Brother: While her brother is depicted as supportive, the film suggests

that he doesn't fully understand the depth of Diana's struggles. This lack of complete

understanding might have prevented him from providing the level of support she needed.

Personal History:

Diana's personal history is characterized by a sense of displacement and a struggle to find her

identity.

● Early Loneliness: The film hints at Diana's early life being marked by loneliness and a lack of

belonging, potentially due to her parents' divorce and the emotional distance she experienced.

● Search for Identity: Throughout the film, we see Diana grappling with her identity as Princess

of Wales and trying to reconcile it with her own desires and aspirations. This internal conflict

likely contributed to her emotional distress.

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 Educational History:

While the film doesn't explicitly detail Diana's academic achievements, it mentions her

attendance at West Heath Girls' School and Institut Alpin Videmanette. This information suggests that

Diana received a formal education, but it doesn't provide insights into her academic strengths or

interests.

Occupational History:

As Princess of Wales, Diana's primary occupation involved undertaking royal duties and

public engagements. The film portrays the demanding nature of these responsibilities and the pressure

to maintain a perfect image in the public eye. This constant pressure likely contributed to her stress

and anxiety, potentially exacerbating her eating disorder.

Combining these insights provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that

shaped Diana's life and contributed to her struggles with an eating disorder. By examining her medical

history (although limited), legal history (non-existent in the film's narrative), family dynamics,

personal development, education, and occupational demands, we can build a richer picture of the

individual behind the royal title.

Additional Information:

● Traumatic Childhood: Flashbacks and Diana's inner thoughts hint at a potentially traumatic

childhood marked by emotional neglect and a sense of displacement.

● Search for Identity: The film explores Diana's search for her own identity amidst the

constraints of royal life and societal expectations.

● Defense Mechanisms: The film portrays Diana's use of various defense mechanisms, such as

dissociation and intellectualization, to cope with her emotional distress.

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Deep Dive into the Portrayal of Bulimia Nervosa in "Spencer": Symptoms, Mental State,

and Impact

Eating Disorder Portrayal:

● Realistically Depicted: "Spencer" offers a nuanced and realistic portrayal of bulimia nervosa.

The film avoids sensationalizing the disorder and instead focuses on the emotional and

physical toll it takes on Diana.

● Cyclicality: The film effectively highlights the cyclical nature of the disorder. We witness

Diana struggle with binge eating episodes, followed by guilt, shame, and purging behaviors.

This cycle is depicted in various scenes:

[0:48:00]: Diana binges on pastries and sweets in her room, showcasing the impulsivity and

lack of control associated with binge eating.

[0:52:00]: Diana purges in the bathroom after the binge, revealing the physical and emotional

distress associated with the behavior.

[1:07:00]: Diana contemplates another binge, highlighting the constant struggle and

preoccupation with food.

Fear, Shame, and Guilt: The film portrays Diana's emotional response to the eating disorder

with sensitivity. We see her fear of being discovered, shame about her behavior, and guilt for the

impact it has on her health and relationships.

[0:41:00]: Diana hides food wrappers and purges secretly, showcasing her fear of being

discovered and judged.

[1:12:00]: Diana expresses shame and regret after a purging episode, highlighting the

emotional burden of the disorder.

[1:25:00]: Diana's conversation with Maggie reveals the guilt she feels for the impact her

eating disorder has on her loved ones.

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 Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria:

● Accurate Representation: The film accurately depicts several key symptoms of bulimia

nervosa:

● Preoccupation with Food, Weight, and Body Image: Throughout the film, Diana is shown to

be preoccupied with food, weight, and her appearance. We see her constantly checking her

reflection, weighing herself, and engaging in restrictive eating behaviors.

[0:22:00]: Diana obsessively weighs herself, highlighting her fixation on weight and body

image.

[0:35:00]: Diana avoids eating with others and restricts her food intake, demonstrating her

struggle with controlling her food intake.

Binge Eating Episodes: The film depicts several instances of binge eating, characterized by

rapid consumption of large quantities of food. These episodes often occur in response to emotional

distress.

[0:48:00]: Diana binges on pastries and sweets after confronting Charles, highlighting the

connection between emotional distress and binge eating.

[1:07:00]: Diana contemplates another binge after arguing with the Queen, further

demonstrating the emotional triggers for these episodes.

Purging Behaviors: The film shows Diana engaging in purging behaviors, such as

self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise, to compensate for the binge eating episodes.

[0:52:00]: Diana purges in the bathroom after binging, showcasing the immediate

consequence of binge eating.

[1:30:00]: Diana engages in strenuous exercise after a binge, highlighting her attempt to purge

through physical activity.

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 Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Depression: Diana exhibits signs of mood swings, anxiety, and

depression throughout the film. These symptoms are likely exacerbated by the eating disorder and her

stressful environment.

[0:15:00]: Diana rapidly switches between laughter and tears during a conversation with

Maggie, showcasing her emotional instability.

[0:55:00]: Diana expresses feelings of anxiety and fear about her future, highlighting the

emotional toll of her struggles.

[1:18:00]: Diana's conversation with her mother reveals her feelings of loneliness and

depression, suggesting a deeper emotional conflict.

Social Isolation and Withdrawal: The film portrays Diana's tendency to isolate herself due to

the shame she feels about her eating disorder.

[0:45:00]: Diana avoids socializing at the Christmas feast, preferring to be alone with her

struggles.

[1:00:00]: Diana distances herself from Charles and the royal family, further isolating herself

from potential support systems.

Charcater’s mental health

Anxiety and Depression:

Diana exhibits persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout the film. These are

evident in:

Emotional Volatility: Her rapid mood swings, shifting from laughter to tears within moments,

highlight her emotional instability. (Scene: [0:15:00])

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 Somatic Symptoms: Diana experiences physical manifestations of anxiety, including nausea

and dizziness, further emphasizing her emotional distress. (Scene: [0:55:00])

Existential Angst: Her conversations reveal feelings of hopelessness and fear about the future,

showcasing her existential struggle. (Scene: [1:18:00])

Social Withdrawal: She isolates herself from others, avoiding social interactions and

withdrawing from her family, reflecting her depression. (Scene: [0:45:00])

Low Self-Esteem:

Diana's internal dialogue and interactions reveal a deep-seated sense of inadequacy and

self-doubt. This is evident in:

Negative Self-Talk: She engages in harsh self-criticism, verbally berating herself for her

perceived flaws and shortcomings. (Scene: [1:00:00])

Compulsive Comparison: She constantly compares herself to others, particularly other

members of the royal family, which fuels her feelings of inadequacy. (Scene: [0:25:00])

Need for Approval: Her constant desire to please others and gain their approval reflects a lack

of self-confidence and dependence on external validation. (Scene: [0:40:00])

Coping Mechanisms:

Despite her struggles, Diana demonstrates resilience and employs various coping mechanisms

to navigate the emotional turmoil:

Dissociation: She uses dissociation as a defense mechanism to detach from overwhelming

emotions, often experiencing flashbacks and dreamlike episodes. (Scene: [0:50:00])

Creative Expression: She finds solace in creative outlets like dancing and playing the piano,

allowing her to express her emotions in a non-verbal way. (Scene: [1:20:00])

Humor: She uses humor as a coping mechanism, albeit masking her deeper anxieties and

emotional pain. (Scene: [0:30:00])

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 Seek Support: While limited, she occasionally seeks support from confidantes like Maggie,

demonstrating a willingness to connect and receive help. (Scene: [1:25:00])

Glimpses of Strength and Hope:

Despite the darkness, the film offers glimpses of Diana's inner strength and resilience. These

moments reveal her potential to overcome her struggles and find happiness:

Self-Awareness: In quiet moments, she exhibits moments of self-awareness, acknowledging

her challenges and seeking understanding. (Scene: [1:05:00])

Acts of Kindness: She demonstrates compassion and empathy towards others, highlighting her

inherent kindness and generosity. (Scene: [0:45:00])

Rebellious Spirit: Despite the constraints of royal life, she displays moments of defiance and

rebellion, showcasing her desire to break free and forge her own path. (Scene: [1:35:00])

Love for her Children: Her love for her children serves as a source of strength and motivation,

offering her hope for a brighter future. (Scene: [1:40:00])

A Deeper Dive into the Psychological Landscape of Diana in "Spencer": Insights,

Aetiology, and Defense Mechanisms

Levels of Insight:

● Awareness and Denial: Throughout the film, Diana displays moments of self-awareness,

acknowledging the negative impact of her eating disorder and expressing a desire to change.

However, she also struggles with denial, clinging to the familiar comfort of her illness despite

its detrimental effects.

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 ● Self-Discovery and Freedom: The film portrays Diana's journey towards self-discovery as she

grapples with the constraints of her royal life. We see her yearning for agency and freedom,

both from her eating disorder and the societal expectations imposed upon her.

Aetiology: A Multifaceted Perspective

● Individual Traits: Diana's perfectionistic nature and sensitivity are depicted as contributing

factors to her vulnerability towards developing an eating disorder. The constant pressure to

maintain a perfect image and meet unrealistic expectations exacerbates her anxiety and

self-doubt.

● Societal Pressures: The intense public scrutiny and relentless media attention placed upon

Diana as a royal figure are significant contributors to her psychological distress. These factors

fuel her feelings of inadequacy and negatively impact her self-esteem.

● Family Dynamics: The film subtly hints at potentially traumatic childhood experiences and a

lack of emotional support from her family, suggesting their potential role in shaping her

emotional vulnerability and susceptibility to developing a mental health challenge.

Diathesis Stress Model in Action

● Pre-existing Vulnerability: Diana's individual traits, particularly her perfectionism and

sensitivity, serve as the underlying predisposition or "diathesis" in the development of her

eating disorder.

● Stressful Environment: The pressures and constraints of royal life represent the "stress" that

acts as a trigger, prompting the manifestation of her eating disorder symptoms. The film

effectively portrays this interaction, highlighting how the stressful environment exacerbates

her pre-existing vulnerability.

Defense Mechanisms: Coping with Distress

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 ● Dissociation: Diana utilizes dissociation as a coping mechanism, escaping the overwhelming

pressure of reality through fantasies and dreamlike episodes. This is evident in her recurring

visions and imaginative scenarios that offer temporary respite from her emotional turmoil.

● Intellectualization: As a defense mechanism, Diana analyzes her emotions and experiences in

a detached manner, attempting to gain control over her distress by intellectualizing her

feelings. This is evident in her conversations with Maggie, where she dissects her emotions

and seeks logical explanations for her behavior.

● Humor: Diana occasionally uses humor as a defense mechanism, masking her pain and

discomfort with lighthearted jokes and witty remarks. This serves as a temporary relief from

the emotional burden she carries.

Example: Relating to Anne Boleyn

In one scene, Diana compares herself to Anne Boleyn, another royal figure who faced

immense scrutiny and ultimately met a tragic fate. This scene exemplifies Diana's awareness of the

pressures and potential consequences of her position within the royal family. It also highlights her

search for meaning and understanding within her own experiences by drawing parallels to historical

figures who faced similar challenges.

By delving deeper into these aspects, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the

psychological complexities that Diana navigates in "Spencer." The film effectively portrays her

journey towards self-discovery and the intricate interplay between her individual traits, the stressful

environment she faces, and the defense mechanisms she employs to cope with her emotional distress.

This analysis provides valuable insight into the psychological underpinnings of Diana's struggles and

offers a deeper appreciation for the film's portrayal of her character.

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 Prognosis, Treatment, and Inconsistencies in "Spencer"

Prognosis:

The film's portrayal of Diana's eating disorder leaves the question of her prognosis open to

interpretation. While she displays moments of self-awareness and a desire to change, the film also

acknowledges the powerful hold the disorder has on her life.

Positive Indicators:

● Moments of self-reflection and acknowledging the negative impact of the disorder.

● Desire to break free from the constraints of the disorder and societal expectations.

● Finding solace and expression through creative outlets like music and dance.

● Seeking support from confidantes like Maggie.

Negative Indicators:

● Cyclical nature of binge eating and purging behaviors.

● Difficulty controlling the behavior despite acknowledging its harm.

● Emotional distress and instability associated with the disorder.

● Lack of consistent professional support or therapy.

Treatment:

The film does not explicitly depict Diana receiving professional treatment for her eating

disorder. However, it offers glimpses of potential therapeutic interventions:

● Interpersonal Support: Maggie serves as a source of emotional support and understanding for

Diana, providing a safe space for her to express her feelings without judgment.

● Creative Expression: Diana finds solace and outlet through activities like dancing and playing

the piano, which can be considered forms of art therapy.

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 ● Moments of Self-Reflection: Through introspection and flashbacks, Diana gains insights into

her emotions and the factors contributing to her struggles. This self-awareness can be a

crucial step in seeking further help.

Inconsistencies:

While "Spencer" presents a nuanced portrayal of Diana's eating disorder, some inconsistencies

are worth noting:

● Historical Accuracy: The film fictionalizes aspects of Diana's life and condenses events into a

shorter timeframe. This may lead to inaccuracies in representing the chronology and

progression of her eating disorder.

● Limited Depiction of Treatment: Although the film hints at potential therapeutic

interventions, it doesn't delve into the specifics of seeking professional help or attending

therapy sessions. This lack of detail leaves unanswered questions about Diana's engagement

with formal treatment options.

● Focus on Internal Struggle: The film primarily focuses on Diana's internal struggles and

emotional turmoil, leaving less room for exploring the broader context of eating disorders and

their treatment options.

Applying DSM-5 Criteria to Analyze Diana's Eating Disorder in "Spencer"

Diagnosis: Based on the portrayal of Diana's behavior, thoughts, and emotions in "Spencer,"

she exhibits symptoms consistent with Bulimia Nervosa, Recurrent (moderate severity) according to

the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

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 Diagnostic Criteria:

A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating.

Evidence: The film depicts several instances of Diana binging on large quantities of food,

particularly when experiencing emotional distress.

B. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, such as

self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, fasting, or excessive

exercise.

Evidence: The film shows Diana purging after binge episodes, including self-induced

vomiting and excessive exercise.

C. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least

once a week for a period of 3 months.

Evidence: While the specific timeframe isn't explicitly stated in the film, the repeated

portrayal of binge-purge cycles suggests they occur more than once a week.

D. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.

Evidence: The film consistently highlights Diana's preoccupation with her weight and body

image. She constantly checks her reflection, weighs herself, and expresses dissatisfaction with her

appearance.

E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa.

Evidence: Based on the film's portrayal, Diana's eating disorder appears distinct from

Anorexia Nervosa, as she doesn't display symptoms of restricted food intake and extreme weight loss.

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 ● Character's Mental State: Diana exhibits signs of complex mental health challenges, including

anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and internal struggles. The film effectively captures her

emotional turmoil through facial expressions, body language, and flashbacks.

● Deeper Analysis: The report explored Diana's levels of insight into her condition, the

potential factors contributing to its development, the interaction between her pre-existing

vulnerability and the stressful environment, and the defense mechanisms she employed to

cope with her distress.

● Prognosis, Treatment, and Inconsistencies: The film leaves the question of Diana's prognosis

open to interpretation while acknowledging the challenges she faces. It hints at potential

therapeutic interventions but doesn't provide detailed information about professional

treatment. Additionally, the film's fictionalized elements and limited depiction of treatment

introduce some inconsistencies.

Overall:

While "Spencer" doesn't offer a definitive answer regarding Diana's prognosis or the specific

treatment approaches she might have pursued, it raises valuable questions and encourages exploration

of these topics. The film's portrayal of her internal struggles and the complexities of her situation

provides a platform for further discussion and understanding of eating disorders and their impact on

individuals.

Report Summary:

This report analyzed the portrayal of bulimia nervosa in the movie "Spencer," focusing on

Princess Diana's experience with the eating disorder. The analysis explored the following key aspects:

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 ● Eating Disorder Portrayal: "Spencer" offers a realistic and nuanced depiction of bulimia

nervosa, highlighting the cyclical nature, emotional distress, and physical consequences

associated with the disorder.

● Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria: The film accurately portrays several key symptoms,

including preoccupation with food and weight, binge eating episodes, purging behaviors,

mood swings, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Conclusion:

"Spencer" delivers a powerful and sensitive portrayal of Princess Diana's struggles with

bulimia nervosa. The film raises awareness about the complexities of eating disorders and encourages

deeper understanding of their impact on individuals. While the movie leaves some questions

unanswered, it provides valuable insights into the psychological aspects of the disorder and the

challenges faced by those who live with it. The film's contribution lies in its ability to spark

conversations about mental health, eating disorders, and the importance of seeking support and

understanding.

References

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warning-about-eating-disorders/news-story/12663c96338da3fb703e590618d45a5c

Eating Disorder Hope. (n.d.). Bulimia: Princess Diana’s ED. Retrieved from

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/bulimia-princess-dianas-ed

Psychology Today. (n.d.). PRINCESS DIANA'S THERAPIST: PSYCHOTHERAPY

SESSIONS. Retrieved from

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'Spencer'.

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The Guardian. (2021, November 7). Spencer review – portrait of a princess on the edge.

Retrieved from

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The New York Times. (2021, November 4). Spencer Review: A Portrait of a Princess, but

Make It Bleak. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/04/movies/spencer-review.html

Roger Ebert. (n.d.). Spencer Movie Review (2021). Retrieved from

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spencer-movie-review-2021

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