Dissociative Identity Disorder and Communication
In this critical reflection paper, I will aim to discuss ways in which those diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) attempt to communicate with their co-personalities, also how those with DID sort through the multi-personality layers within themselves to aim for a sense of normality, calmness and co-existence.
Communication is an important part of those diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorders. DID can commonly be described as a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual, John Wiley (2012).
The process involved in breaking down the layers of personality begins with looking at the Russian Matouschka dolls analogy, Michael Kaye (1994). The analogy consists of four levels of communication; Self, Interpersonal, System and Competence. Kaye describes the first level of the analogy ‘self’, as ‘knowing and understanding one’s self is a necessary step towards effective self-management.’ Kaye also states that ‘self-awareness serves as a sound basis for self-analysis and self-examination.’
In the case of someone diagnosed with DID the focus of ‘self’ is dependent upon the interpersonal level of communication, how ‘self ‘relates to the ‘other’ (or others), Kaye (2013, pp.86). In the situation of a dissociative identity disorder, Kaye summarises this perfectly, by stating, ‘communication is a process where interacting individuals create meanings about each other and about the nature and state of their relationship’.
The cause of DID is still quite unknown, however research shows that as many as 99% of individuals who develop dissociative disorders have a history of reoccurring and life threatening abuse at a young age, Atlas, J.A., Wolfson, M.A., & Lipschitz, D.S. (1995).
‘Dissociation’ can be referred to as a self-protection or survival technique. During the experience of extreme trauma, it has been found that the individual (commonly as a
Communication is an important part of those diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorders. DID can commonly be described as a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual, John Wiley (2012).
The process involved in breaking down the layers of personality begins with looking at the Russian Matouschka dolls analogy, Michael Kaye (1994). The analogy consists of four levels of communication; Self, Interpersonal, System and Competence. Kaye describes the first level of the analogy ‘self’, as ‘knowing and understanding one’s self is a necessary step towards effective self-management.’ Kaye also states that ‘self-awareness serves as a sound basis for self-analysis and self-examination.’
In the case of someone diagnosed with DID the focus of ‘self’ is dependent upon the interpersonal level of communication, how ‘self ‘relates to the ‘other’ (or others), Kaye (2013, pp.86). In the situation of a dissociative identity disorder, Kaye summarises this perfectly, by stating, ‘communication is a process where interacting individuals create meanings about each other and about the nature and state of their relationship’.
The cause of DID is still quite unknown, however research shows that as many as 99% of individuals who develop dissociative disorders have a history of reoccurring and life threatening abuse at a young age, Atlas, J.A., Wolfson, M.A., & Lipschitz, D.S. (1995).
‘Dissociation’ can be referred to as a self-protection or survival technique. During the experience of extreme trauma, it has been found that the individual (commonly as a
References: Atlas, J.A., Wolfson, M.A., & Lipschitz, D.S. (1995). Dissociation and somatisation in adolescent inpatients. Psychological Reports, 76, 1101-1102. Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, 24, 385-396. Harper, K.V. and Lantz, J. (1996) Cross cultural practice: Human services with diverse populations Kaye, M (2013) Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Management. In S. Mlcek, B. Moorhead, & G. Norris (Comps.), Communication management and beyond (pp. 79-98). Frenchs Forest, Australia. Nijenhuis, E.R.S., Spinhoven, P., Van Dyck, R., Van der Hart, O., & Vanderlinden, J. (1996). The development and the psychometric characteristics of the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ20). Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 184, 688/694. Schneider. K & Rollo. M, (2012). The Psychology of Existence. 1st ed. California: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. Sigmund Freud, On Psychopathology (Middlesex 1987) p. 198 -----------------------