Call for Abstracts: The Psychology of Borderlands
We are excited to announce a call for abstracts for a forthcoming book that explore the psychological dimensions of Borderlands. Set against the backdrop of Pandora’s anarchic world, this book explores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, focusing on how humor, trauma, and survival instincts shape the game’s iconic characters. Through the lens of psychology, this volume aims to uncover deeper meanings behind the mayhem and madness that define the Borderlands universe.
Book Synopsis:
The Borderlands series is renowned for its chaotic world, dark humor, and unforgettable characters—from the enigmatic Vault Hunters to the morally complex Handsome Jack. This book examines the psychological underpinnings of these characters, exploring themes like power dynamics, morality, coping mechanisms, and the human condition under extreme stress. It connects these elements to real-world psychological theories, offering readers fresh perspectives on the narrative and gameplay that have made Borderlands a cult classic.
Topics for Submission:
We invite chapter proposals on the following themes, (or related):
-
The Psychology of Chaos: Examining how Pandora’s lawlessness influences the psyche of its inhabitants.
-
Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Exploring the use of dark humor by characters to navigate trauma and chaos.
-
Trauma and Resilience: Analyzing the impact of Pandora’s harsh conditions on the Vault Hunters and NPCs.
-
Handsome Jack’s Narcissism: A psychological deep dive into Jack’s charm, manipulation, and descent into villainy.
-
Morality in the Borderlands Universe: Investigating how characters navigate moral ambiguity in a world of survival and mayhem.
-
The Vault Hunters as Archetypes: Understanding the unique psychological traits and motivations of each Vault Hunter.
-
Power and Control: Examining the dynamics of power between factions, corporations, and individuals like Jack and Lilith.
-
The Role of Companionship: How relationships between characters (e.g., Claptrap, Moxxi, and others) influence emotional survival.
-
Psychology of Loot and Greed: Exploring the addictive pursuit of wealth and power as a central theme in Borderlands.
-
Post-Apocalyptic Identity: Analyze how, amidst the ruins of a shattered world, identity serves as both a weapon and a shield, forged through choices, resilience, and the connections we dare to build.
Submission Guidelines:
-
Abstracts should be between 250–300 words and clearly indicate the topic(s) being addressed.
-
Include a brief biography (100 words max) detailing your expertise or interest in the subject.
-
Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere or created using Ai.
-
Deadline for Abstract Submission: 2/28/2025
-
Submit your abstracts to writers@geektherapeutics.com with the subject line: “ The Psychology of Borderlands Abstract Submission.”
