New Jersey City University
Introduction to Psychology
Gabrielle Napoleon
12/12/16
Abstract
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental illness that is characterized by impulsive behavior, a reckless disregard for social norms, and an inability to experience guilt. Individuals with ASPD exhibit an inflated sense of self-worth and possess a superficial charm, traits that often aid their attempts to violate the rights of other individuals. Although the causes of ASPD are highly disputed, research has found that antisocial behavior is linked to abnormalities in the chemistry and anatomy of the human brain. Furthermore, environmental factors, including low socio-economic status, low education …show more content…
People who are afflicted by this generally disregard other’s rights and are highly manipulative as a means of gaining something. Individuals with ASPD normally have a low threshold for frustration and dislike it when they are impeded from obtaining whatever gratifies their wants(Townsend, 2011). Should someone or something get in the way of their desires, those afflicted by ASPD are likely to become enraged and spiteful It is only when they obtain their wants that they are seen to be joyous or amiable It is believed that genetics plays a role in this disorder as inferred from twin and adoption case studies (Townsend, …show more content…
A deviation or fixation in one of the stages can result in maladaptive patterns of coping or maladaptive personality traits in adulthood (Townsend, 2011). The oral stage begins at birth until 18 months of age. The goal of the oral stage is immediate gratification of needs and the focus of energy is the mouth. The anal stage continues from 18 months to three years old, with the goal of indepenence and control, focusing largely on excretory functions. Kevin, the main character, seems to be stuck in the anal stage, using soiling himself as a way to punish his motherand amuse himself. The phallic stage is from three to six years of age, focusing on the genital organs and development of sexual identity. Freud states the Oedipus complex occurs in the phallic stage, which occurred with kevin when he killed his father with a bow and arrow. The Oedipus complex is child’s unconscious desire to eliminate the parent of the same gender and to possess the parent of the opposite gender for himself or herself (Townsend, 2011). During the latency stage, from six to 12 years of age, sexuality is repressed and focus is on relationships with same gender peers. The last of Freud’s personality developmental stages is the genital stage, from 13-20 years old. The genital stage focuses on relationships with memebers of the opposite sex and preparing to find a mate. Freud believes adulthood personality is developed through these five