Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Barry Levinson's The Sleepers

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is one form of reaction towards trauma or traumatic memories including childhood trauma. This article going to discuss Barry Levinson’s The Sleepers, whom the main characters John Riley, Tommy Marcano, Shakes, and Michael Sullivan suffering several symptoms of PTSD caused by traumatic memories in their childhood. Childhood trauma approach and theory of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are used in purpose to describe the cause of childhood trauma and the symptoms of PTSD that happens to the boys. Applying childhood trauma approach the main factors that cause PTSD are sexual abuse and power abuse happened in childhood. Common symptoms of PTSD are intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions which affect their adulthood.