"My Son Says He's 'Therian'”: Psychologist Explains What to Do and When It's a Cause for Concern
In recent weeks, the term 'therian' has become a trend on social media and digital platforms. Videos of young people who partially identify with animals have raised questions among parents, teachers, and experts.
TL;DR
- The 'therian' trend, where young people identify partly with animals, is gaining traction on social media.
- Psychologist Manuela Molina explains 'therians' are teens who share symbolic expression codes but remain grounded in reality, often consciously role-playing.
- This behavior is seen as a contemporary youth subculture, amplified by social media, fulfilling needs for identity, differentiation, and belonging, much like previous youth movements.
- Being 'therian' is not classified as a mental disorder, nor is it related to gender identity or transition processes.
- A potential mental health concern arises only if an individual loses their sense of reality and genuinely believes they are an animal, exhibiting behaviors like ceasing verbal communication or social withdrawal.
- Experts recommend open communication, avoiding stigma, and understanding that these scenarios are not representative of most individuals participating in the 'therian' trend.
- The key is to maintain open dialogue and seek professional information, recognizing that a loss of anchor to reality is the primary clinical alert.