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Abstract
Disney films have long shaped cultural understandings of childhood, morality, and identity. While often celebrated for their aspirational “happily ever after” narratives, these films frequently depict poverty, trauma, and mental illness in ways that reinforce negative stereotypes. This study examined how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), poverty, and mental illness are represented in Disney’s animated canon. A total of 56 feature-length films released between 1937 and 2016 were reviewed, with inclusion criteria requiring that films portray primary or secondary characters experiencing poverty, inequality, or ACEs. Each film was analyzed qualitatively for narrative frames of poverty, mental illness, and relationships, and coded for ACEs exposure using the CDC framework. Two independent coders reviewed all films, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Of 22 main characters analyzed, 13 (59%) had at least one ACE; among these, 31% had four or more ACEs and 29% also experienced poverty. Within this group, 64% showed indicators of potential mental illness, with a highly significant association observed when all three factors overlapped. These findings suggest that Disney narratives repeatedly link poverty and trauma with mental illness, presenting them as interchangeable burdens to be hidden or overcome. Such portrayals simplify complex realities and reinforce stereotypes that adversity is a personal failing rather than a structural issue. By masking trauma beneath the veneer of a “happily ever after,” Disney perpetuates stigmatizing narratives that continue to shape cultural understandings of mental health. Recognizing this influence is essential for educators, clinicians, and cultural critics seeking to counter harmful stereotypes and promote more compassionate, inclusive depictions of adversity.