1 definition by Dr. Fischer
A dubious diagnosis associated with the recovered memory movement in psychology. DID is a pattern of behavior characterized by the learned enactment of different identities, usually including psychologically wounded "inner children." These are claimed to have resulted from repressed childhood involvement in satanic ritual abuse, child porn rings, mind control experiments, or similar extremely severe abuse. The creation of personalities occurs hand-in-hand with the formation of the abuse narrative in the vast majority of cases.
The process of memory/personality creation usually involves the suggestion of a sympathetic and charismatic therapist, but it can also occur within groups of "survivors" on the internet or in self-help groups. The process is likened to a cult, since participants often cut off contact with former friends and relatives who question the bizarre direction of therapy and instead form bonds with other recovered memory "survivors."
The process of memory/personality creation usually involves the suggestion of a sympathetic and charismatic therapist, but it can also occur within groups of "survivors" on the internet or in self-help groups. The process is likened to a cult, since participants often cut off contact with former friends and relatives who question the bizarre direction of therapy and instead form bonds with other recovered memory "survivors."
Motives for embracing Dissociative Identity Disorder may include the following:
1. Suggestion by an authority figure that recovering abuse memories will lead to healing.
2. Sympathy/attention associated with the victim role (There is high overlap with dramatic/historionic/borderline personality disorders).
3. Involvement in a complex and interesting project, as the client creates personalities to reflect different aspects of her fantasies.
4. Absolution of responsibility for one's problems implied by the victim role.
5. Sexual fetishes or fantasies that would otherwise feel unacceptable can be enacted and attributed to the "memories" of abuse. In fact, studies show that there is a high representation of DID in online groups for ageplay and domination/submission games.
1. Suggestion by an authority figure that recovering abuse memories will lead to healing.
2. Sympathy/attention associated with the victim role (There is high overlap with dramatic/historionic/borderline personality disorders).
3. Involvement in a complex and interesting project, as the client creates personalities to reflect different aspects of her fantasies.
4. Absolution of responsibility for one's problems implied by the victim role.
5. Sexual fetishes or fantasies that would otherwise feel unacceptable can be enacted and attributed to the "memories" of abuse. In fact, studies show that there is a high representation of DID in online groups for ageplay and domination/submission games.
by Dr. Fischer November 24, 2009