In animation, what did protective instincts often substitute for regarding Logan's PTSD?

Straightforward protective instincts

When Wolverine transitioned to animated media, especially in the 1990s series, the complexity and darkness of his comic book history, particularly deep psychological scarring like PTSD, were often toned down for broader audience consumption. Rather than dwelling on the internal mental anguish derived from trauma, the animation frequently emphasized external, immediate reactions. This resulted in his character growth focusing more on a fiercely loyal, paternal guardian role—specifically seen in his mentorship of Jubilee—where straightforward protective actions replaced nuanced explorations of psychological damage.