Primal Fear Psychological Analysis

Aaron Sampler, one of the main characters in the film Primal Fear, becomes accused of horrendously murdering an Archbishop; whom raised Aaron in the church. Aaron suffered many traumas throughout his life; including sexual abuse from the Archbishop (found on film). Sampler appears experience an alter personality named “Roy” and even wins a plea of insanity: based on evaluation from a psychiatrist whom believes Aaron suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder. Sampler later revealed to his lawyer that “Roy” did not exist and he lied to receive the insanity plea. Based on the criteria given in the DSM-5, Aaron most likely suffers from Antisocial Personality Disorder. Aaron fits three out of four Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Criteria C, the only criteria not accurately depicted in the film, indicates the individual experienced this disorder as a child. Diagnostic Criteria A indicates individuals' with Antisocial Personality Disorder fit the following characteristics: failure to conform, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, recklessness, consistent irresponsibility, and lack of remorse. Aaron’s
Aaron grew up in the church orphanage; therefore, it is unknown what his parents genetic factors would present. After growing up in the orphanage, Aaron seemed to suffer from feeling abandon. Aaron Sampler did experience poor family environments, one in which he became sexually abused: thus putting him at farther risk for personality disorders. Furthermore, Aaron grew up at an orphanage of low socioeconomic standards, also putting him at risk for personality disorders. It is important to note, the DSM-5 also suggests that men are twice as likely to suffer from Antisocial Identity Disorder. Aaron’s etiological factors seem to exist based on a comorbidity of Antisocial Personality risk