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Antwon Fisher Psychological Analysis
Capella University
Abnormal Psychology PSYC 3110
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Depicted Description of Antwon Fisher
In the film “Antwon Fisher”, the African American male, and protagonist, who is marked
by profound adversity is Antwon Fisher. His childhood trauma leads him to have the inability to
control his anger and temper. Even as a sailor for the United States Navy, Antwon exhibits
violent tendencies towards other sailors. Although he is temperamental, he does show a desire to
change and has shown himself to have a good heart. The identity and behavior of adulthood are
shaped by early life, and because Antwon Fisher experienced various traumas in his childhood,
he exhibits Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms displayed by Antwon Fisher according to The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, and
provided in the text (Hooley, 2019) outlines specific criteria that he met for PTSD. The
emotional and psychological challenges that he endured are consistent with the DSM-5 Criteria
, for this mental disorder. For example, in the film, Antwon Fisher experiences intrusive memories
of traumatic events during therapy sessions when he recalls the abuse he received from Mrs.
Tate, his adopted mother. Furthermore, when he would discuss his childhood memories it would
cause emotional distress, discomfort, and pain. Antwon Fisher prefers to avoid reminders of
trauma by withdrawing or becoming defensive when discussions about family or relationships
arise. For example, when the family member at the table questioned Antwon about missing home
during the holidays, Antwon did not respond he removed himself from the table and dining area.
Another example is when the sailors were in Mexico and his comrade continued to imply that
Antwon hadn’t been with a woman and was a “faggot,” Antwon responded with a physical
altercation. Antwon also presents with persistent negative emotions such as fear, guilt, and
shame. For example, his childhood experience of being raped or molested led him to become an
Antwon Fisher Psychological Analysis
Capella University
Abnormal Psychology PSYC 3110
2
Depicted Description of Antwon Fisher
In the film “Antwon Fisher”, the African American male, and protagonist, who is marked
by profound adversity is Antwon Fisher. His childhood trauma leads him to have the inability to
control his anger and temper. Even as a sailor for the United States Navy, Antwon exhibits
violent tendencies towards other sailors. Although he is temperamental, he does show a desire to
change and has shown himself to have a good heart. The identity and behavior of adulthood are
shaped by early life, and because Antwon Fisher experienced various traumas in his childhood,
he exhibits Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms displayed by Antwon Fisher according to The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, and
provided in the text (Hooley, 2019) outlines specific criteria that he met for PTSD. The
emotional and psychological challenges that he endured are consistent with the DSM-5 Criteria
, for this mental disorder. For example, in the film, Antwon Fisher experiences intrusive memories
of traumatic events during therapy sessions when he recalls the abuse he received from Mrs.
Tate, his adopted mother. Furthermore, when he would discuss his childhood memories it would
cause emotional distress, discomfort, and pain. Antwon Fisher prefers to avoid reminders of
trauma by withdrawing or becoming defensive when discussions about family or relationships
arise. For example, when the family member at the table questioned Antwon about missing home
during the holidays, Antwon did not respond he removed himself from the table and dining area.
Another example is when the sailors were in Mexico and his comrade continued to imply that
Antwon hadn’t been with a woman and was a “faggot,” Antwon responded with a physical
altercation. Antwon also presents with persistent negative emotions such as fear, guilt, and
shame. For example, his childhood experience of being raped or molested led him to become an
