Psychologists have analysed Eminem's iconic track 'Stan' to explore the mental health of its titular character, using a bio-psycho-social model to understand his decline. The song, released on The Marshall Mathers LP in 2000, tells the story of an obsessive fan whose mental state deteriorates tragically. The researchers suggest Stan may have suffered from emotionally unstable personality disorder of the borderline type, evidenced by self-harm, overdose, fear of abandonment, and impulsivity.
The analysis, part of the HIP HOP PSYCH project, aims to open youth-focused dialogues about mental health. In verse one, Stan identifies with Slim Shady through a friend's suicide, mirroring the rapper's own loss. By verse two, his anger and feelings of betrayal become apparent, despite his claims otherwise. Stan's lyrics reveal childhood trauma, including witnessing domestic abuse and never knowing his father, which likely led to insecure attachment and altered oxytocin levels.
Early adverse experiences can cause epigenetic changes, such as switching on the glucocorticoid receptor gene, leading to heightened cortisol production and exaggerated stress responses. Stan's self-harm may be a form of self-medication, increasing 'feel good' opioid peptides. The researchers note that patients with borderline personality disorder who self-harm often have low levels of these chemicals in their cerebrospinal fluid.
Eminem, born into poverty, is known for his multi-syllabic rhyming and storytelling, selling over 32 million albums by the end of the noughties. The psychologists stress that violent acts are not typical of most people with mental health issues, but aim to unravel this complex character's mind to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
