A Place to Survive: OMORI Through Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory

The role-playing game OMORI serves as a profound literary vehicle for examining the intersection of individual psychological development and the structural pressures of contemporary society. By applying Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the analysis demonstrates that the protagonists' responses to trauma and grief are not isolated internal events but are instead deeply embedded within a complex hierarchy of environmental influences. The narrative functions as a critical reflection on how personal identity is forged through the constant negotiation between immediate interpersonal relationships and the overarching demands of the external world.

At the microsystem level, the characters' development is heavily dictated by domestic environments, parental dynamics, and the presence or absence of emotional support. These immediate surroundings act as the primary crucible for coping mechanisms, where neglect or familial instability directly informs the psychological trajectory of the youth. However, these individual experiences are inextricably linked to broader macrosystemic forces, specifically the pervasive influence of neoliberalism and advanced capitalism. These societal structures impose rigid standards of success, morality, and productivity that exacerbate the characters' struggles, illustrating how systemic expectations can stifle emotional recovery and distort identity formation.

Ultimately, the study concludes that the game acts as a significant cultural text, mapping the collision between human vulnerability and the socio-historical realities of modern life. By situating the characters within this ecological framework, the analysis highlights how societal pressures—ranging from cultural expectations to economic imperatives—shape the long-term well-being of individuals. This perspective underscores the necessity of viewing psychological health as a product of both intimate relational history and the wider, often unforgiving, landscape of contemporary capitalist society.