The Barbie Movie Trend Sparks Surge in Demand for 'Emotionally Nurturing' Dolls, Backed by Psychologists

The "Barbie" movie has become a significant cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and generating a substantial increase in Barbie sales. Moreover, it has sparked insightful discussions regarding the impact of childhood experiences on mental well-being.

Following the film's release in July, numerous adults have taken to platforms like TikTok and other social media channels to share their experiences of reconnecting with their inner child. These individuals have embraced various rituals, such as purchasing "emotional support Barbies," to rediscover the joy and innocence of their youth. (The parent company of CNN and "Barbie" movie distributor Warner Bros. Pictures is Warner Bros. Discovery.)

The comment sections of these posts evoke strong emotions.

"The way everyone, no matter if you are a child or a grown adult, strokes a Barbies hair after unpacking it."

"I bought my baby daughter her first Barbie. It meant so much for me to get it for her."

I recently purchased a Barbie for myself, and I feel like a profound transformation has occurred within me.

If that heartwarming experience isn't enough, younger generations are now capturing precious moments of presenting Barbies and other childhood toys to their parents who never had them as children. A TikTok video, in particular, shows a daughter surprising her mom with a Dia De Muertos Barbie, leaving not a single dry eye in the room.

The power of play for mental health

According to Kristin Flora, a psychology professor at Franklin College in Indiana, the movie has effectively raised awareness among people about the significance of play, even in adulthood.

"We have ample research indicating the advantages of play for children. However, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that highlights the benefits of play for adults, particularly in the field of mental health," Flora explained to CNN. "Some studies suggest that it can effectively prevent depression and foster a sense of optimism, which is crucial during periods of uncertainty. It can also assist us in determining our attitude as we navigate through unprecedented times."

Flora pointed out that women and girls derive distinctive advantages from this timeless form of play, as it has the ability to foster confidence and positivity during crucial stages.

"In my classes, I emphasize that the confidence levels between boys and girls are roughly equal until approximately the age of 13. However, beyond this age, we observe a significant decline in girls' confidence, whereas boys tend to excel," she elaborated. "This indicates that girls experience immense psychological pressures during this period. Engaging in play can serve as a protective barrier against these challenges."

When Cameron Greene, a 29-year-old software engineer from Lanham, Maryland, chose to purchase her own emotional support Barbie, she had numerous options. She noticed that there were many Barbies with diverse careers available, much more than when she was a child. However, Greene decided to indulge herself and opt for something more luxurious - a mermaid Barbie doll adorned with a gleaming rainbow tail.

"As a child, I had a deep love for dolls. However, as you grow up, especially when your interests do not align with stereotypical female preferences, you tend to forget about that world," she shared with CNN. Initially, Greene found the idea of an emotional support Barbie a bit ridiculous, but one weekend while shopping at Target, she couldn't resist and ended up purchasing one.

"I mean, Im an adult now, right? Which means I have adult money, and if I want to buy a Barbie and brush its hair I can!"

Barbie fashion and accessories are experiencing a significant increase in sales worldwide due to the success of the new movie. At a Macy's store in Corte Madera, California, on July 25, Barbie merchandise was prominently showcased.

What play looks like for adults

When adults envision "play," they often associate it with childish and potentially inappropriate activities such as frolicking outdoors or engaging in imaginative play with a Barbie doll grasped in each hand. Despite the validity of these options, novel opportunities for more grown-up enjoyment are constantly emerging. Adult summer camps have become a popular trend, alongside enduring favorites like recreational league sports, communal crafting gatherings, and specialized interest conventions, among many others.

"There is a genuine desire for this," Flora stated, noting that our perception of "play" tends to evolve as we grow older. Thus, rather than engaging in the same activities we enjoyed as children, we seek out novel ways to have fun, such as dressing up and attending a movie centered around the iconic Barbie doll.

When Flora watched the "Barbie" movie with her daughter, she observed that almost the entire audience was adorned in pink attire, adorned with sparkles and sporting sunglasses, exuding boundless enthusiasm.

Dressing in this manner is considered as a form of play, as stated by the speaker. She noted that through our clothing choices, we are able to express a sense of playfulness. What stood out to her was the fact that this playful moment transcended age, race, ethnicity, ability status, and all other identities. It united everyone, enabling them to collectively embrace and relish in this cultural moment.

Pat Cafaro, a 65-year-old resident of Sarasota, Florida, attended the movie alongside her 8-year-old granddaughter, with both of them embracing the moment by wearing appropriate attire. Cafaro opted for a stylish pink rhinestone top, while her granddaughter donned a cute tutu.

"It's funny, but I think I may have actually enjoyed the movie even more than she did," chuckled Cafaro as she shared her thoughts with CNN. She expressed her pleasant surprise at the movie's intricate layers of history, featuring characters inspired by real dolls and hidden references that only someone familiar with playing with dolls would be able to recognize.

"I believe I actually had a couple of those same dolls in my own collection," she mentioned. "Back in my youth, Barbie was a fresh concept, and that's a memory that never fades."

As a young girl, Cafaro cherished her plastic Barbie kitchen set, which boasted intricate pastel tones.

This type of nostalgia offers its own advantages for mental well-being. Although the term originates from the Greek words meaning "return" and "pain," fond memories from the past can provide comfort and enhance one's mood. According to a study published in the journal "Emotion" in 2023, feelings of nostalgia help lonely individuals find meaning in their lives.

Perhaps there is indeed a slight sense of pain in witnessing Barbie on the screen dealing with her humanity or contemplating the joys and challenges of womanhood. However, in a packed theater or in the toy aisle with money of an adult and a yearning to relieve one's childhood, a touch of pink and some play can significantly improve the overall feeling.