Mad Love: The Case Of Harley Quinn

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Before she was known as the infamous Harley Quinn, the jester themed accomplice of the Joker, she was Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist interning at Arkham Asylum. Her origin story, first featured in “The Batman Adventures: Mad Love” (Dini & Timm, 1994), states that her original intention upon joining that particular field of applied psychology was her desire to learn what drove her father to become a con man, who used his charm to ruin the lives of others and her family. It is no surprise that these traits eventually drew her to the Joker in whom she found a supposed “kindred spirit” and a lover. Their relationship was one founded on lies, manipulation, and abuse. However, much to chagrin of the audience, Harley Quinn will continuously return back to the Joker despite his …show more content…

The case of Harley Quinn is one that is often misdiagnosed. Contrary to popular speculation, she does not suffer from Stockholm Syndrome. Rather, she suffers from a condition known as traumatic bonding. According to an article written by Consulting Clinical Psychologist Dr. Joseph M. Carver, PhD, Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological condition in which hostages emotionally bond with their captors as a coping mechanism. However, in all universes, Harleen Quinzel is the one to approach the Joker because of a bond and attraction that was established beforehand. Due her position as a doctor at Arkham Asylum, she was the one in control of the situation. His status as an inmate would prevent him from ever holding her against her will. Therefore, her case cannot be labelled as such. The term “traumatic bonding” is a better fit. It is part of the

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