Poor Dr. Doofenshmirtz

In the popular kids’ television show, Phineas and Ferb, the villain,

Dr. Doofenshmirtz, is always up to some evil scheme. Dr. Doofenshmirtz implicitly credits most of his evil doings to his childhood and upbringing. The audience can easily tell that Dr. Doofenshmirtz suffers from several psychological disorders that are rooted in his childhood. His relationship with his parents was not the most healthy of relationships, and he probably possesses an insecure attachment style as a result.

Attachment is very important, as was said in class. Attachment posits that the relationship a person has with his primary caregiver during the first two years of his life will affect the attachment he experiences in his relationships for the rest of his life, and will especially show itself during traumatic or serious situations. It is so important for children to receive messages of security and worthiness from their parents in order to form correct understandings about themselves and others.

Dr. Doofenshmirtz is a primary example of this theory. With an insecure attachment with his primary caregiver as a child, his current relationships suffer as a result. He does not have any close, healthy friendships and as a villain, he is always attempting to sabotage good in the world and cause pain. In addition, he suffers from many psychological disorders, showing that his insecure attachment not only affects his relationships, but also how he developed as a person.