Analysis Of The Character Of Justin Foley From 13 Reasons Why

In the popular show, 13 Reasons Why, Brandon Flynn plays as Justin Foley, a student at Liberty High who comes from an abusive family who is involved in a toxic-relationship with Jessica. Starting with a neglectful mother and drug-addict who had various settings of men who were a majority of dangerous, violent, and abusive boyfriends. In result, Justin experiences abuse and trauma in particularly from Seth, who purposefully physically threatens the minor for his disobedience. With that being said, in a segment of the show his absence is noticed and remarked by his coach which he recalls that Justin may have been abused which also explains his long stays at Bryce’s pool house. Interestingly enough, in regards to the theory of “Emerging Adulthood Development”, Justin shows early circumstances of adulthood however faces these conflicts in the adolescent setting due to his childhood and upbringing. I don’t think Justin would be characterized as under an emerging adulthood however is in a predestination stage.

Biological Foundations

In terms of his built, Justin is a typical 16-17-year-old fit/athletic jock. With that being said, it would be for those reasons that Justin would be considered ‘on-time’ with puberty. Based on his classification, he is one of the athletes for the school who has a popular status. For those reasons, with his physical features and capabilities in his sports which he is gratified for therefore is a positive response for him. For example, because of his physical appearance- Justin is easily admired by the opposite sex and other friends because of his physical attraction. In contrast, the response from his family would be categorized as ambivalent due to their absence in his life and the lack of intimate relations with him.

Cognitive Foundations

Considering some of the circumstances and through observation, I believe that Justin is a post-formal thinker. Dealing with the issues he has at home, it is not necessarily the best circumstance that anyone could manage especially as an adolescent. In addition to that, Justin doesn’t communicate much of his issues with friends or even his girlfriend. For those reasons, I believe that Justin is a post-formal thinker because he is well aware of his issues at home and the internal issues going on his relationship but fails to communicate that. With that being said, the following includes various examples that implement his stages of post-formal thinking:

• Aware of the incident of rape between Jessica and Bryce
• Acknowledges but denies the incidents of what was said on the tapes that Hannah shared
• Acknowledges issues going on at home and tries to find solution by surrounding himself with his girlfriend or staying at his friend’s house.

Cultural Beliefs and Morality

Facing financial & emotional instability through his upbringing- Justin would be characterized as coming from an individualistic culture. If we analyze his adolescent development period in regards to his family, there is a high level of freedom Justin has with his mom and step-dad allowing him to be in and out the house however, in contrast- through the show we begin to see strict levels of tolerance. In regards to Family Boundary Theory, Justin and his family would be categorized in this negative feedback spectrum where he as the child, is allowed to have the freedom to explore his individuality but deals with strict ruling and a complex of hierarchy between him and his step-dad. In return, we begin to see aggressiveness, emotional instability, & irrationality.

Gender

In regards to gender expression, Justin is definite as describing himself as male. Through observation in which regards to clothing, personality, and how he presents himself he portrays as strictly male. With that being said, if Justin had worn clothes that we’re feminine then it’d be considered that he’d express his gender as androgynous. However, in this case, being an athlete and in an intimate relationship with Jessica- these are attitudes and behaviors that make Justin believe his appropriate gender would be as a man. With that being said, these beliefs may have come from the absence of having a father figure in his life or perhaps he is socially more comfortable with being male considering his biological and physical characteristics.