Panel Discussion 16 - Stories Matter: Using Pop Culture Examples and Metaphors to Disseminate CBT Principles and Engage CBT Clients

Millions of people, from all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic groups, engage with pop culture. Themes from movies, TV, music, sports, or video games resonate deeply for individuals and can be leveraged to demonstrate psychological principles. For example, multiple media pieces identified psychological perspectives of the breakout hit Barbie, such as female empowerment and self-acceptance. When Elmo checked in on Twitter, he was flooded with responses of mental health challenges highlighting the safety felt with approachable characters and the power of media to disseminate information about mental health.
Leveraging social media, relatable characters, and relevant storylines can improve the reach of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and CBT engagement and outcomes. CBT is a first-line treatment for many psychological conditions with strong efficacy and long-term effects. However, many who meet diagnostic criteria for psychiatric conditions do not receive treatment (59% according to Wilhelm et al., 2020). Oft-cited barriers include stigma and not knowing where to seek treatment (Goetter et al., 2020). Using podcasts, blogs, or social media to highlight useful examples (e.g., Simone Biles, Luke Skywalker, Hulk) can reduce shame and create an entryway to therapy. Once in CBT, metaphors can promote engagement and understanding. Since early engagement, attendance, and homework completion predict outcome (Fernandez et al., 2015), using personalized examples from pop culture may help bring CBT principles to life and invigorate the therapeutic process, aligned with personalized medicine.
This panel brings together experts in leveraging pop culture through social media, podcasts, and in therapy to disseminate CBT principles, improve outreach, and promote engagement. Panelists have diverse backgrounds across populations served (age spectrum, cultural backgrounds), media and convention (e.g., Comic Con) appearances, and specialized expertise (e.g., sport psychology). Aligned with the conference theme, this panel will discuss innovative strategies to promote understanding and awareness of CBT using pop culture and strategies for community engagement and advocacy for marginalized populations. Audience participation is encouraged.