Antisocial Personality Disorder The Big Five - 846 Words

Antisocial Personality Disorder The American Psychological Association (2015) definition of personality is â€Å"differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.† There are five broad domains of personality called the Big Five, which includes agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Each of these factors yields a cluster of characteristics called personality traits, which are a â€Å"combination of inherited characteristics and learned responses† (Comer, 2014). A personality disorder is a fixed â€Å"pattern of inner experience and outward behavior† (Comer, 2014) that is considered extreme, impairing, or remarkably different from what would be considered normal behaviors, thoughts, and experiences. The predominant characteristic of an antisocial personality is a general pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. All other traits of the disorder appear to stem from this disregard. There is a significant amount research supporting both genetic and environmental theories, which suggests that disorders of personality are caused by genetic abnormalities, and that the presence of these abnormalities creates an extreme response to environmental triggers, leading to the development of a personality disorder. Approximately 2% to 3.5 % U.S. adults meet the criteria for antisocial personality disorder (APD) (Comer, 2014). A diagnosis can be made at age 18 years. Most persons with this diagnosis have a history ofShow MoreRelatedThe Big Five Model Application1236 Words   |  5 PagesThe Big Five Model. The Big Five model is broken down into five dimensions, including; openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. Openness includes those who are open to experience and are intellectually curious, they may also be open to emotion, and willing to try new things. Conscientiousness individuals display self-discipline, act loyally, and aim for achievement against measures or outside expectations. Additionally, it is related to the way in which individualsRead MoreThe Effects Of Sociopaths On The Criminal Justice System Essay1417 Words   |  6 Pagesinteresting phenomenon to the outside world. What most people don’t know is that sociopaths usually suffer from some spectrum of Antisocial Personality Disorder. According to Grohol (2016), Differences Between a Psychopath vs Sociopath, sociopath and psychopath are both categorized as antisocial personality disorders. Deceit and manipulation are main features to this personality disorder. An associate professor of Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of New Mexico, and a District Judge from DenverRead MoreAnalysis Of Capital Murder Trial744 Words   |  3 PagesIn this article, Edens and Cox suggest that the prosecution in capital murder trials produce evidence regarding antisocial personality disorder, sociopathy, and psychopathy. ASPD, sociopathy, and psychopathy all have a long history in the criminal justice system. Mental health experts are called in to evaluate the suspect during sentencing, to determine future violent behaviors, and if there is any potential for rehabilitation. In their research, they found little systematic research on how muchRead MoreTwins and Genetics Essay examples1315 Words   |  6 Pagestwins from similar environments do not differ on a trait, then that trait is assumed to be influenced more by environment. In the adopting method, behavioral geneticists study children adopted shortly after birth. By comparing their abilities and personality traits to those o their adoptive family members with whom they live and those of their biological parents whom they may have met, researchers can disentangle the effect of heredity and environment (Plomin et al., 1988). Adoptive research has assembledRead MoreDoes Cavum Septum Pellucidum Increase Levels of Psychopathy? Essay examples2618 Words   |  11 Pageswith a particular neurodevelopmental marker would have greater levels of psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder than controls. There are numerous hypothesis of the origin of psychopathy and antisocial personality including neurodevelopmental, genetic, brain injury, and impaired bonding, to name a few. This novel study sought to provide support for the hypothesis that antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy has a neurodevelopmental basis. The specific marker of interest in this researchRead MoreTruman Capote s A Cold Blood Makes A Great Case For Justice1719 Words   |  7 Pagesof the most influential family in the area, causing mass hysteria for everyone in Holcomb and for others who are involved in the case is unquestionably too short. However, is the death penalty fair for both of them, considering Dick had a mental disorder and Perry had a terrible upbringing? This brings us to a bigger, broader question: to what extent does the law and judgement system achieve their main purpose: bringing justice to everyone? One of the two murderers in the book, Richard Hickock, saysRead MorePersonality Analysis of Marilyn Monroe by Using Trait Theories1078 Words   |  5 PagesPersonality Analysis of Marilyn Monroe By Using Trait Theories Marilyn Monroe, whose real name is Norma Jeane Mortenson, was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. She was American actress, singer and model. She also was one of the most famous movie star, the sex symbols and pop icons of the 20th century. Despite her an unhappy, difficult childhood she got succeed during her short life period. She worked minor roles for years. Then, she showed her comedy ability, appearance on televisionRead MoreThe trait perspective and the ten personality disorders Essay1793 Words   |  8 PagesOne of the major theoretical areas in the study of the personality is the trait perspective. It suggests that individual personalities are comprised of broad dispositions, and it identifies and measures the characteristics that they are made up of (Cherry). The trait perspective helps to identify a person’s personality type (Myers). This perspective focuses on the difference between individual personalities and the traits that shape them. A trait is a stable characteristic that causes an individualRead MorePsychology, Trait Theory And The Study Of Human Personality Essay1614 Words   |  7 PagesIn psychology, trait theory (also called dispositional theory) is an approach to the study of human personality. Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.[1] According to this perspective, traits are relatively stable over time, differ across individuals (e.g. some people are outgoing whereas others are shy), and influence behavior. Traits are in contrast to states which are more transitory dispositionsRead MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( Adhd )1664 Words   |  7 PagesHyperactivity Disorder Crystal Sluss Psychology 231 March 7, 2015 â€Æ' Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disorder. ADHD is a difficult obstacle to overcome, but is not impossible. Many people are diagnosed with this disorder every day. It affects more than three percent of American children. Common symptoms include Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. The causes are not completely clear, there have many things that have been linked to the disorder. There are

Belgium Cultural Analysis Essay - 4639 Words

I. Introduction II. Brief Discussion of Belgium’s relevant history III. Geographical Setting a. Location - between France (S) and Holland (N); Germany and Luxembourg (E); and North Sea (W) b. Climate - Belgium has temperate weather, warm in summer (May to September) and cool to cold in winter, with snow very likely. temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy c. d. Topography - The coastal region, extending about 16–48 km (10–30 mi) inland, consists of sand dunes, flat pasture land, and polders (land reclaimed from the sea and protected by dikes), and attains a maximum of 15 m (50 ft) above sea level. Eastward, this region gradually gives way to a gently rolling central plain, whose†¦show more content†¦The role of education in society a. Primary b. Secondary c. Higher d. The structure of the educational system consists of pre school (3-6 years); six years of primary school and six years of secondary school. Belgium has two systems of education: the state system and the private (mostly Catholic) system. Educat ion is free in both of these systems, and the curriculum is the same. There are four types of education: †¢General Secondary Education (ASO): general education; mostly theoretical that prepares students for higher education. †¢Art Secondary Education (KSO): Along with general subjects, students take visual arts, music, dance, drama, etc. A previous knowledge of the subject is required. †¢Professional Secondary Education (BSO): in this category students may choose from a selection of courses such a hairdressing, car mechanics, and sewing, among others. Students completing the 12th year level receive certificate of higher secondary education. This diploma is sufficient for higher specialized study: interpreting, architecture, technical engineering, pedagogy, etc. Only 16 17% of Belgian students graduate at this level. Education is considered very important in Belgium. Therefore standard are high and students take school veryShow MoreRelatedTransnational And Global Pers pectives1164 Words   |  5 PagesThe de-facto home of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Belgium offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in Europe’s rich history, understand its contemporary struggles, and explore its multicultural identity. I propose study towards the Masters of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (MAES) at KU Leuven. By studying broader European diplomacy with the Middle East and Eurasia while also researching Belgian Islamic multiculturalismRead MoreCase: New Belgium Brewing717 Words   |  3 PagesCase 4: New Belgium Brewing One of the Nation’s third-largest craft breweries, based out of Colorado, New Belgium Brewing Company, Inc. (the Company). The Company was founded in 1991, a privately held corporation. Its first operation started off in the basement of Jeff Lebesch (founder). The Company prides itself on its branding strategies â€Å"triple bottom line† and social responsibility which focuses on economic, social, and environmental factors. New Belgium’s marketing strategy links the Company’sRead MoreEssay on New Belgium Case Study1713 Words   |  7 PagesNew Belgium Brewery 1) What environmental issues does the New Belgium Brewing Company work to address? How has NBB take strategic approach to addressing these issues? Why do you think the company has taken such a strong stance toward sustainability? New Belgium Brewing Company strives to take an environment friendly approach to their manufacturing process and facility, focussing on reducing their carbon footprint and energy usage. They were the first-ever American brewery to fully incorporateRead MoreCompany Analysis : Rivella Ag Essay944 Words   |  4 Pageswith the less physic and psychic distance first (Johanson and Valhne, 1977) as the company had done so far. According to Rivella’s actual foreign markets (Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria and French border), it was interesting to examine Belgium as a potential market given that this country is fully bordered by four of the five Swiss brand’s actual markets. Based on geographical distance criteria, other countries like the United Kingdoms, Italia and Denmark appears to be relevant potentialRead MoreDemography s Classic Transition Theory1464 Words   |  6 Pageseconomic aspects of a nation. Modernization under the political economy of reproduction would expand this to include the cultural and political aspects as well (Greenhalgh 1995: 5). In summary, the political economy of reproduction differs from demography theory on two fundamental factors: scope and the inclusion of social and political influences. Demography theory ignores the cultural effect of political structures such as colonization and modernization, allowing for them to paint demographic transitionRead MoreUnderstanding National Culture : Cross Cultural Management1500 Words   |  6 Pagestarget, it will proceed to explain these approaches one by one using different in business examples, discussing the main criticisms and concluding with the importance of these for international business. â€Æ' 2. - Approaches to National Culture Cross Cultural management explains the behaviour of people in organizations worldwide, helping managers and firms to understand how to act in business matters dealing with the different cultures. (Adler, 2008) Analysing it in depth, several theories exist but thisRead MoreUnderstanding National Culture And A Common Values And Attitudes Shared By A Particular Group Of Humans1603 Words   |  7 Pagesachieve this goal, I shall proceed to explain these approaches one by one using different business examples, discuss the prime criticisms and conclude with the importance of these for international business. â€Æ' 2. - Approaches to National Culture Cross Cultural management explains the behaviour of people in organizations worldwide, helping managers and firms to understand how to act in business matters dealing with the different cultures. (Adler, 2008) Analysing it in depth, several theories exist but theRead More The Importance of History Essay992 Words   |  4 Pagesknowledge that records and analyzes past happenings. Focusing on the people involved in a time, place, and series of events makes history. It?s from social and cultural conditions as well as political and economical events. Within the topic of history, there is historiography which refers to the study of historical study. It is historical analysis examining the principles, theories, writings and uses of historical methods. History based on the past, or describing people who lived in the past or eventsRead MoreUnderstanding National Culture And How Relevant Is Important1209 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Æ' Index 1.- Introduction 3 2.- Approaches to National Culture 4 2.1.- Hall’s Context Culture Model (180) 4 2.2.- Hofstede s Cultural Dimensions Theory 5 2.3.- Trompenaars Model of National Culture Differences 6 3.- Conclusion 7 4.- Bibliography 8 â€Æ' 1.- Introduction According to Hofstede definition, it is possible to develop the idea of national culture as a culture for a particular group of humans that includes systems of values and is passed down between generations by learning. (HofstedeRead MoreGerman And United Kingdom : Primary Influential Factors1589 Words   |  7 Pagesare formed to â€Å"push through† policies (Decker and Best 2011). Although political systems vary country to country, there are a variety of historical, cultural and institutional factors that must also be considered when observing government formation. In addition to this dual motivation of political parties, the following are essential in an analysis of the principal influential factors: fragmentation within the party system, investiture vote, recognition rules, political culture, and portfolio allocation

Comparing and Applying Theories of Development free essay sample

Let’s take a look at all three and compare some of their similarities, as well as a few differences and then we can look at how these and other theories are used to analyze and evaluate the development of a child. Sigmund Freud was a pioneer of his field. His Psychoanalytic theory was the first theory of modern psychology. Although some of Freud’s ideas have been discarded, most of them still influence the world of psychology today. According to Freud, human development is shaped by unconscious forces that motivate human behavior (Paplia Olds, et al, 2006). Our awareness of the world around us is stored in our conscious mind; and our unconscious mind stores painful repressed memories, urges, feelings, or thoughts which is difficult to access. Freud believed that personalities consist of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id dwells in the unconscious part of our mind and is responsible for our pleasure principle. We will write a custom essay sample on Comparing and Applying Theories of Development or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The superego also dwells mostly in the unconscious mind and is accountable for our knowledge of right and wrong. Accountable for our reality pleasure is our ego, which is located in our conscious mind and is what we use to mediate our deepest selfish desires with the outside world. â€Å"According to Freud, an individual’s behavior is a result of all three interacting with one another, working together as a team under the leadership of the ego. † (Roeckelein, 1998) For instance, when a teenager desires to skip school so they he can party with his friends, his superego tells him that he will get in trouble if he does, so his ego decides to go against skipping school, but makes plans to party with his riends that weekend so that his id is still satisfied. Freud also believed that children go through three different stages of personality development in the first 5-6 years of age called psychosexual stages. In each stage a child’s fulfillment shifts from oral to anal to genitals. If gratification is not achieved in any of these stages, the person will develop a fixation and end s up being stuck in that stage of development like in the case of smokers, whom according to Freud, have an oral fixation. Freud developed the idea that people create defense mechanisms such as displacement (a way in which one diverts their feelings of anger from the person whom caused the emotion to another person or object), compensation (overcoming feelings of inadequacy in one area by excelling at another), or rationalization (looking for suitable explanations to justify our behavior). They use these mechanisms in order to cope with stressful and painful experiences. (Witt Mossler, 2010) Erik Erickson was an apprentice of Sigmund Freud. He developed the Psychosocial Theory of development. He also believed that the unconscious mind influenced behavior; however, he opposed the sexual aspect of development. According to his theory there are nine stages of human development. Trust vs. mistrust which occurs between birth and about 1 year old. The child must learn to trust his or her parents, but must be balanced with a sensible amount of mistrust so as not to become naive. The virtue learned is hope. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is the second stage which occurs between the ages of 1-3 years old. Next is initiative vs. guilt which is usually occurs in 3-5 year olds. Children in middle childhood go through the industry vs. nferiority stage which begins around the age of 5 and continues until adolescence around 12 years old; and teenagers fall into the identity vs. confusion stage. Those in the intimacy vs. isolation are young adults between the ages of 18-25. Generativity vs. stagnation is the stage for older adults and is characterized with the desire to give back. Most peo ple in this stage are between 25-65 year olds. Integrity vs. despair, and hope and faith vs. despair are the last two stages of life development, and they both are for those over the age of 65 years old. Each stage is like a test with a potential of passing or failing and the outcome f results is growth and a learned virtue or stagnation. A person will stay stuck in their current stage for however long it takes until the virtue is learned although there are accepted age approximations. (Witt Mossler, 2010) An example of stagnation is when a woman in her thirties still acts like a teenager. Jean Piaget, a psychologist from Switzerland, also believed in stages of development; however he focused on cognitive development, mostly in children. Although Piaget’s theory has received some criticism, mostly in regards to underestimating the cognitive development of children, he has influenced psychology in a enduring way. Piaget defines operational as a mental routine that transforms information so it can be used. Operational routines include the use of logic by classifying, subdividing, recognizing parts of a whole, counting, and reversibility. † (Witt Mossler, 2010) According to Piaget, certain behaviors occur only when children reach the appropriate maturational stage and that four of those stages exist: sensorimotor (birth-2 years old), preoperational (2-7 years old), concrete operational thought (7-12 years old), and formal operational thought (12+ years old). In each stage, a child will adapt to a new situation by using an inborn ability (Paplia Olds, et al, 2006) process in which we integrate new information into a pre-existing mental structure (building blocks of thinking as mental units) called schemes. (Mitchell, P. , 1992. p12) He called this process assimilation. Later if the child learns something new about a previous assimilation experience, the child adds the latest information to the current knowledge, modifying the current mental structure based on experiences. He called this adaption of knowledge accommodation. For instance, when a baby cries, he soon realizes that only his parent’s respond to his cry and not just anyone. There are three key concept similarities between Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Erik Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory. First of all, they both fall under the developmental perspective of psychoanalysis, which means that they both view development as shaped by unconscious forces that motivate human behavior. Additionally, they both believed that children go through stages of development and that each stage offers omething to learn in order to grow, or a danger of failure. Lastly, they both agree that when a stage is not mastered, its likely that they will be stuck in that stage of growth by developing a fixation according to Freud, and according to Erickson will be emotionally stagnant. In contrast, here are a few significant differences between Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Erik Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory. First o f all, the most noteworthy difference is Erickson’s departure from the sexual emphasis of development that so strongly influences Freud’s point of view. Although he agrees that unconscious mind influences personality development, he believed that heredity and the environment were more influential than sexual urges. Another major disagreement is that Freud believed that the genital stage begins during adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. Adults remain influenced sexually by their urge for genital gratification which is the driving force for all their afflictions compared to Erickson whom believed that human development is continuous, and that people go through four more stages of development after the adolescent stage. Furthermore, Erickson emphasized a possibility for a healthy ego development through the stages. It suggested that people have some control of their development, which unlike Freud, â€Å"believed that people spend their entire lives trying to conquer the demands of the id. † (Witt Mossler, 2010) There are also a few similarities between Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Piaget’s Cognitive Stage Theory. Once again, just like Erickson, Freud and Piaget agreed that development occurs in stages and both of them mostly focus on child development. Another similarity is that they also both have had a major impact on the field of psychology. Freud was the Father of modern psychology while Piaget remains the most influential cognitive psychologist. Also, their theories have both received considerable criticism, but they still continue to influence the world of psychology significantly. On the other hand, there are a number of differences between Psychoanalysis and the Cognitive Stage Theory. The main difference is that they both fall under different developmental psychological perspectives, so they actually view growth and maturity differently. Freud analyzes personality and emotional development; whereas, Piaget examines cognitive development. Another difference is that Freud emphasized sexual urges as the driving force for all humans, but Piaget believed that people were influenced by the current stage of their cognitive develop. Furthermore, Piaget did not recognize the unconscious mind influences that Freud considered. He favored observable, testable measurements in human development. Comparing similarities between Erik Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory and Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Stage Theory is a difficult task. The differences are much more apparent. The reason is because they fall under two separate perspectives in the field of psychology just like comparisons between Freud and Piaget. Nevertheless, a couple of agreements they both had are that heredity and environment are important in human development; and that life development occurs in stages. That is where the similarities end. The most obvious disagreements are parallel to the comparisons between Freud’s and Piaget’s theory. For instance, like Freud, Erickson studies personality and emotional development; while, Piaget tests cognitive development. In addition, Erickson and Freud believed that an immense amount of development is influenced by the unconscious mind, unlike Piaget whom does not validate the significance of the unconscious. The last difference is that Piaget’s theory focused on child development but Erickson’s theory included four more stages of human development which continues throughout adulthood. When analyzing the development of children, we can use the above theories, as well as others to predict the progress of the child, and compare them with other children in their age group. In order to help a child reach full potential, it is important that doctors, parents, and educators know the normal rate of development. This is estimated by using developmental theories, and then applying research based studies that test the accuracy of those theories. As a child grows and learns, an assessment of their abilities can determine what stage of development the child is in, and whether or not they are developing normally. If a child appears to be learning and growing at a slower rate than other children in that current theoretical stage, then ction can be taken to accommodate the child and give them more consideration through different programs that have been constructed for children with learning disabilities. However, if a child appears to be developing at a faster rate, then their gifts can be encouraged and cultivated through the utilization of accelerated enrichment programs. In order to consider a child’s development as correctly as possible, one must consid er all aspects of growth which includes cognitive, physical, and emotional characteristics of maturation. Physical development relates to the growth and maturity of the body and brain which includes the increase in motor skills and brain development. Cognitive development is associated with the progress of logic and reason and increases in vocabulary usage. Emotional development deals with the development of feelings and emotions, but also includes the development of morals and beliefs. Although each category examines distinct types of human development, they are not separate. For example, advances in cognitive abilities have been found to coincide with the child’s physical brain development and growth (like during brain growth spurts). Another instance is that a child’s physical maturity affects his/her emotional well being (like when an adolescent is a late bloomer, it can cause them to have a low self-esteem). As psychologists analyze a child’s development, they must take into account all three aspects of development because of their impact on each other and then apply them to the psychological theories of development in order to properly assess and encourage a child’s possible potential. Sigmund Freud was a patriarch of modern psychology and Jean Piaget remains the most influential cognitive psychologist. Comparisons of the three theories discover that they are all similar in some ways, but also can be vastly different. Although Piaget and Freud have received a considerable amount of criticism for their ideas and parts of their theories were eventually discarded, they both continue to have a significant influence on the world of Psychology today.

To what extent is the reluctant fundamentalist about nostalgia free essay sample

Changez often shows signs of nostalgia when remembering his journey. The audience can see that toward the end Changez is spiralling into the dangers of Nostalgia. When Changez thinks about his countries past he feels jealous, not at America, but at the fact that the world notices America’s greatness and looks up to the country but doesn’t ponder on Lahore’s pronounced history. Changez often remembers New York with fondness but he has a profound hatred toward America. When reminiscing about his time in New York, Changez remembers the â€Å"cosmopolitan nature† of the city displayed before 9/11, and what America turned it into after 9/11. Body Paragraph 2: Erica Erica cannot let go of the memory of her deceased childhood sweetheart While she physically moves in reality, mentally she is stuck in the memories of her past. Body Paragraph 3: America After September 11 America clings to its past. â€Å"Nostalgia was their crack cocaine† TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST ABOUT NOSTALGIA? Nostalgia is defined as a â€Å"sentimental longing or wistful thinking for a period in the past†. We will write a custom essay sample on To what extent is the reluctant fundamentalist about nostalgia? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In theory nostalgia is a wonderful experience of reminiscing on memories in the past, but every so often nostalgia can have destructive effects on one’s mentality. In â€Å"The Reluctant Fundamentalist† Mohsid Hamid incorporates the theme of nostalgia throughout the monologue. Through his characters, Hamid illustrations both the positive and negative effects nostalgia has on a person. He explains to us that if handled carefully, nostalgia could be a form of relief, but if one dwells only in the past they will lose themselves, and find it nearly impossible to distinguish their reality from their memory. The protagonist Changez opens up to the American ‘tourist’, and in doing so displays strong sense of nostalgia that often takes over him. In many occasions Changez looks back at his time in New York with a certain degree of affection, presenting to the audience the fact that there is and always will be a place â€Å"of great fondness in [his] heart† for his beloved New York. He often remembers the little things with a sense of longing such as the delicious popcorn shrimp, â€Å"a delicacy [they] entirely lack in Lahore†. These brief moments of desire allows Changez to momentarily evoke upon the enjoyments of America without bring reminded of the pain and suffering he endures during his time there. This demonstrates how nostalgia can illuminate some memories while at the same time darken others. It is also evident through Changez the deadly dangers that nostalgia can bring about. Even after moving to the opposite side of the world Changez â€Å"remained emotionally entwined with Erica† He began to live in his memory, unprepared to come to terms with the fact that Erica is never coming back. He clung to the hope that she is still alive and searches for her existence with no reward. Changez faces a constant battle with his memories succumbing to their powerful misconceptions of reality. He started to manifest a reality that was only fiction. In many ways it seems like nostalgia is a contagious disease which was once faced by Erica but has now taken a hold of Changez. Erica is the girl of Changez’s dreams. She is the ideal American socialite; graceful, elegant and with the magnetism of a celebrity {Britney spears quote-find} But despite her outer perfection, Erica is mentally unstable, â€Å"struggling with a current pulling her within herself†. After the sudden death of her one true love Erica was lost and confused, she didn’t know how to live a life without him, and unlike the many people who suffer the loss of a loved one, Erica never recovered. Instead of accepting his death Erica often romantics her time spent with Chris, illuminating the good times and darkening the bad. While she physically moved in the world of the living, mentally she was stuck with her diseased lover, unwilling to let go. In the end Erica sinks so deep into her imagination and is consumed by nostalgia. Just like Erica, America finds it difficult to move on from the past and look forward to the future. After the destruction of the Twin Towers America clings to the past, and â€Å"was increasingly giving over to the dangerous nostalgia at the time† America was brought down by a third world country, who’s technological advances and knowledge were presumably much inferior to Americas, and this attack on America not only damaged its ego but also its image. America wouldn’t accept defeat by a country that is seemingly infinitely inferior to theirs and hence America reacted destructively. The nation suddenly changed its face, from multi-cultural to anti-Muslim, in an instant. Despite being allies with Muslim country, America attacked them, one wold presume as a form of revenge, as well as to assure to people of the world that America is a country that one cannot defy without consequence. America’s failure to move on from these attacks clouds their decisions, in these circumstances they are willing to see only the destruction caused by a small group of people from Muslim community and not the progressive outcomes of their existence in and outside their country. In conclusion in the novel â€Å"The Reluctant Fundamentalist† Mohsin Hamid incorporates the theme of nostalgia inconspicuously throughout the novel. Through his characters, He demonstrates the positive and negative effects nostalgia can have on a person. By comparing nostalgia to â€Å"crack cocaine† we can assume that nostalgia has the ability to numb the pain of reality but if triggered on a regular basis one gets addicted, and loses themselves in their memory, unable to distinguish an memory from reality.