The following is excerpted from an online article posted MedicalXpress
Beyond its monsters and 1980s nostalgia, Stranger Things resonates because it tells stories of struggles familiar to young people: trauma that lingers, identity that wavers, and friendships that buffer against fear.
And by turning inner struggles into visible monsters, Stranger Things can provide a lens to discuss trauma, identity and resilience.
Here are some of Stranger Things’ insights into adolescent development and mental health—and how adults can use the show to talk to teenagers about their own mental health.
Facing our fears
One of the most effective ways to reduce trauma symptoms is exposure to feared memories, sensations or situations in safe, planned ways.
Facing shame
Turn shame into something they can face, not something they are.
Friendship as a buffer
Adults can point out how the characters in Stranger Things share burdens and protect one another.
Source: MedicalXpress
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-adults-stranger-young-people-mental.html