As if “Barbie” wasn’t making enough money this summer in theaters, the hit film has inspired some adults to purchase the iconic plastic doll — but not to play with.

Most adults buying Barbies are either collectors or shopping for kids, but thanks to Greta Gerwig’s hit film — and the power of TikTok trends — the Barbie dolls are being used for emotional support.

“We have quite a bit of research that shows the benefits of play for children. But increasingly, we have scientific evidence that play is beneficial for adults as well, especially in the mental health realm,” explained Kristi Flora, a professor of psychology at Franklin College, to CNN.

The “Barbie” movie has brought in over a billion dollars since its release in July. According to Business Insider, Shopify has seen a 56% increase in sales of Barbie dolls as a result of the film.

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Winfred Rembert's acclaimed memoir, "Chasing Me to My Grave: An Artist's Memoir of the Jim Crow South" received the Pulitzer Prize for biography a year after he died.
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State Rep. Matt Reeves, R-Duluth, introduces himself while attending an AAPI mental health event at Norcross High School on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

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