Psychologist reveals what they’d actually diagnose Joe Goldberg with as You season five leaves people confused
Topics: TV And Film, Netflix, Mental Health, Explained, Tyla Exclusive
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: Netflix
Topics: TV And Film, Netflix, Mental Health, Explained, Tyla Exclusive
A psychologist has revealed what they’d actually diagnose Joe Goldberg with as You season five leaves viewers seriously confused.
Now, the hit thriller series, fronted by Penn Badgley, first hit our screens way back in 2018, and we've been treated to five gripping seasons since with the latest instalment only landing on the streaming platform last week (24 April).
But it's clear that, even after all these years, Netflix are still none the wiser about the TV show's antagonist, Joe Goldberg (Badgley) and what he would actually be diagnosed with based on his actions in You.
"What exactly is Joe Goldberg's diagnosis?" asked on X user. "5 seasons later, he still thinks the world is the problem and not him. I almost started to believe it myself."
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Well, to understand a little more about what actually goes on in the infamous character's head, Tyla sat down with psychologist Dannielle Haig, who shared her expertise on the subject matter.
Acknowledging that the character of Joe Goldberg is 'such an interesting character to unpack from a psychological perspective', she confirmed that a number of narcissistic traits are 'certainly present'.
"But," she outlined, "there is actually a much more complex clinical picture when you look a little deeper."
From a professional standpoint, according to the expert, Joe displays 'strong markers' for Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but there are also traits that point towards Obsessive Love Disorder and even some elements that align with Borderline Personality Disorder.
So, without further ado, let's get into it...
Dannielle points out that Joe consistently demonstrates a lack of empathy, a disregard for the rights of others, manipulativeness, deceitfulness, and criminal behaviour without genuine remorse.
"His actions, including stalking, violence, and murder, are methodical yet emotionally detached, fitting the classic criteria for ASPD," she notes.
Additionally, the psychologist highlights the fact that Joe views himself as a 'good guy' and rationalises deeply harmful actions as being 'for love' or 'for the greater good'.
It is this exact self-idealisation and entitlement to control others' lives, believing he knows best, which are 'strong indicators of narcissistic traits'.
"While not an official diagnosis, Joe fixates obsessively on romantic partners, quickly elevating them to an idealised status and believing they are 'meant to be'," Danielle continues.
And, as we know, he then goes to extreme, controlling lengths to maintain or regain that connection.
And, lastly, Dannielle notes that some of Joe's intense fear of abandonment, unstable and intense relationships, and black-and-white thinking (for example 'you are either perfect or you are a threat') hint at traits commonly seen in Borderline Personality Disorder.
"However," she adds, "he does not fully meet the emotional instability typically associated with BPD."
Dannielle also makes a point to highlight the fact that Joe is 'not someone struggling with a mental health issue like depression or anxiety'.
She explains: "His behaviours are deeply ingrained, persistent, and harmful to others, aligning more with what we understand as personality disorders.
"These are patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are rigid, pervasive, and significantly impact how someone interacts with the world."
The expert concludes that, in short, Joe is 'not simply a narcissist'.
"He exhibits a chilling blend of antisocial traits, narcissistic entitlement, obsessive romantic ideation, and abandonment fears, making him a textbook example of how complex, and dangerous, certain personality disorders can become when left unchecked," Dannielle resolves.
All five seasons of You is currently available to stream on Netflix.