A Multiple Personality is in a certain sense normal.
George Herbert Mead
Before we commence with Multi-Personality characters, let me briefly elaborate on the difference between Mirroring and Multiple-Personality. They are two entirely different issues, frequently confused for the same thing. Mirroring or Parrot Personality, to use my term, can refer to the consciously or unconsciously imitative behavior of one person towards another. It often occurs in social situations, particularly in the company of loved ones, friends, and family.
Multiple Personality
Multiple Personality, clinically known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), is defined by the existence of separate overlapping personalities within one person. Scientific Research indicates that DID is a highly complex psychological condition, likely caused by severe early childhood traumas. People with DID or Multiple Personality Disorder have two or more distinct identities that continuously influence their behavior. Additionally, DID can cause a prolonged inability to recall important personal details, which cannot account for by mere forgetfulness. And aside from highly distinct memory variations, people with Multi-Personality traits can also experience fluctuating memory states. Research also indicates that DID occurs differently for different people.
For example, some people with DID experience “Alternative Identities” based on the person’s age, sex, or race. And each of those identities has its distinct posture, gesture, and manner of speaking. Often, these “Alters” or “Alternative Identities” represent imaginary people; other times, they are animals. And this process of revealing each personality and controlling the thoughts and behaviors of an individual is called Switching. It can take seconds, minutes, or even days to “switch.”
Therefore, many people with DID seek treatment with hypnotherapy so that their “Alters” or “Alternative Identities” cooperate with their therapists.
Religion and Multi-Personalities
Meanwhile, several Religious traditions also have much to say about Multi-Personalities. The connection between Religion and DID can be utterly more complex than explained through scientific studies. Here is where terms such as Angels, Demons, and Exorcism come into play. Throughout the history of Religions, numerous forms and levels of belief have existed in different spiritual beings, powers, and principles that mediate between the realm of the sacred or holy and the world of time, space, and cause-and-effect.
Western Religion
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam refer to such spiritual beings as Angels when describing them as Good or Benevolent, while Demons represent Malevolently or Evil. They believe that demons possess certain people when they transgress against their societal norms. The same can also apply to Eastern religious practices in some cases. And these Religious adherents generally use Exorcism to expel those Demons from possessed people; this practice is sometimes considered witchcraft. Although the beliefs of Angels, Demons, Exorcism, and Witchcraft have been a part of all religions globally, western religious practices lack consistent references to the concept of Multiple-Personalities or DID.
Eastern Religion
Traditionally, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam consider positive beings to be Angels and negative or evil beings as Demons. Alternatively, in Eastern traditions, intermediate beings are less categorical since they may be Benevolent or Malevolent, Good or Bad, depending on the given circumstances. In other words, many Eastern Religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism strongly believe that Multiple-Personality within one person is an inherent characteristic of life itself. For example, the two powerful Hindu Gods, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, each embody multiple avatars. There is a belief that Lord Vishnu has ten formidable “Avatars,” whereas Goddess Durga has nine prominent “Avatars.” And each of those “Alters,” “Identities,” or “Avatars” play diverse and dynamic roles when they descend to empower the good and fight evil. Meaning, King Ravana, who also had eight to ten “Avatars,” until the sinister sides in Ravana took over his other benevolent qualities.
Hollywood portraying Multiple Personalities
Among other recent references, in the two Hollywood movies, “Split” and “Glass,” both based on DID. You will see various connections to ancient Eastern Religions. For example, the use of light against the demonic identity of Kevin Wendell Crumb, his multiple “Alters,” “Avatars,” “Alternative Identities,” or just the presence of “Superhuman Powers.” They all represent elements from eastern religious faiths. Although the movie makers have portrayed the narratives around comic book clichés, adding twists to monologuing heroes and villains, the movies also represent a belief in oneself. It focusses on profound self-aware of their genre arcs, recovery from trauma, and a belief in the potential of humanity.
Further, they discuss how comic book characters have evolved since the 1920s, originating not only from the creative imagination of humans but also from actual historical events that are inexplicable. Additionally, they mention how science and psychoanalysis mislead the masses about superhuman abilities that need clarification in the real world. Both movies repeatedly emphasize the concept of being “Pure” or “Rejoice.” Once people have “Suffered” or been “Broken” as a human, which is, once again, a very religious theme.
In some cases, people may find the plotlines of these Hollywood movies terrifying or surreal. However, isn’t that how western society has portrayed DID as a Psychological Disorder? Science is unquestionably unbiased in almost all areas of human existence, but has it fully proved Extrasensory Perception? Indeed, many are affected by severe Psychological Disorders, but how influential is DID? Are we aware of any measures designed to prevent extreme generations of Multi-Personalities without leading to drastic repercussions? Can DID be controlled? Are Multi-Personality Traits a Blessing or a Curse?
Is having Multiple Personality a Curse or a Blessing?
Ideally, all people are born with Multiple-Personality, and personal traumas and encounters are likely to trigger their activation. Therefore, would it leave all people “Psychologically Disbalanced” or empower them to become “Superhuman?”
Identities
Firstly, let’s consider a brief example of the American Philosopher, Sociologist, and Psychologist, George Herbert Mead. His research elaborately described human behaviors, cognitive sociology, action theory, and symbolic interactionism. After his death, his limited articles were collected and published in one of the books called “Mind, Self, and Society” in 1934. Although we might not fully comprehend the purpose of his research and thoughts, George H Mead viewed the Human Self as a Dynamic Organism. In other words, the interactions within our communities determine our “Identities” and actions as humans.
Then again, in his remarks, he said humans are not passive and susceptible to manipulation but thoughtful and reflective. For Mead, what distinguishes humans from non-human animals is the ability to delay reactions to outside influences. It is Human Intelligence that allows actions to be adjusted mutually. While humans may do this through involuntary gestures, Mead firmly believed that humans are the only species that can “Alter” actions through meaningful symbols.
As a result of this Greater Intelligence, humans can communicate, plan, and work out responses. For example, Language plays a vital role in the development of Human Intelligence. He said “Physiological Organisms” have unique characteristics from the “Self” or “Identity.”
In other words, “Human Identity” is something that develops over time; it doesn’t exist at birth. On the contrary, it emerges through “Social Experience” and activity. That is, becoming or evolving based on personal relationships with that process in general and with other individuals within that process of socialization. Unlike much Human Intelligence, the intelligence of non-human animals does not involve a “Self” or “Identity.”
As George Herbert Mead pointed out, a Multi-Personality is, in a certain sense, normal!!
At a minimum, his comments on Multiple-Personality suggest there is a unity to the “Self” that transcends individual generalized “others” or “Alters” and their Social Selves. This implies a more comprehensive “Self” that might “Split” and possibly become Schizophrenic. And then, dissociation becomes more likely as a result of emotional upheaval, resulting in separated “Identities” in a person that continues their journeys.
ID, Ego, and Super Ego
Sigmund Freud, a neurologist and the father of Psychoanalysis, supported the concept of Multiple-Personalities through his discussions on ID, Ego, and Super-Ego. It is nevertheless true that despite Freud’s prominence and influence on Western thought, controversy still surrounds his theories. He wrote many books and papers during his long and productive career. However, he only developed his fundamental ideas from his experience with hysteria patients early in his career. As a result, these concepts became the foundation of his metapsychology and remained at its core.
Anyhoo, Freud’s take on Multi-Personality modeled the psyche in a triple-decker way; the ID, Ego, and Super-Ego.
ID is a subconscious drive to have high levels of sexual activities, survive, and thrive, which is a natural part of our “Personality” or “Identity.” In order words, ID encourages you to overindulge in your desires.
Ego, on the other hand, is where the conscious mind lives which must satisfy the ID’s wild desires in a realistic yet culturally and socially acceptable manner. However, the Ego also has to confront the Super-Ego, an internalized parent figure that punishes the Ego for misbehaving with guilt and shame.
And each of these aspects influences an individual’s “Personality,” “Identity,” or Behavior in dynamic ways. It is easy to see how the ID, Ego, and Super-Ego could clash when there are so many competing forces. This ability to function despite these opposing forces is called “Ego Strength” by Freud. Therefore, a person with good “Ego Strength” will handle these pressures effectively, while someone with too much or too little “Ego Strength” may be unyielding or disruptive.
Natal Chart and Astrology on Multiple Personalities
Next, let me briefly highlight the Astrological Planetary Alignment in a person’s Birth Chart. Astrological reports frequently appear in the media, indicating that many readers may believe that their birthdates relate to astrology and that this phenomenon influences their everyday lives. Moreover, many scientists have empirically linked “Personality Traits” to Astrological Signs, particularly Psychologists. Often, the results have been ambivalent and even controversial. Scientific evidence generally indicates that zodiac star positions do not influence different “Personalities” within a person. However, the study of Planetary Alignment seems more complex. This field often involves smaller research groups, is harder to interpret, and produces ambiguous results. In addition, with multiple frauds exploiting this field, it gets harder for many to believe in the study of Astrology.
Although I am not an expert in this area, Vedic Astrology mentions the diverse Planetary signs influencing a person’s Birth Chart. And the prominent ones being the Rising Sign, Sun Sign, and Moon Sign. These can also impact Human Behaviors and Personalities. For example, a person born with a Fire Sun Sign positioned with Earth Rising and Moon Signs is likely to have multiple distinctive “Personalities” compared to someone with all dominant Water Signs or all dominant Air Signs, and so on.
In other words, some “Personalities” are highly dynamic and complex because they have two or three distinct primary planets in their Birth Chart. And others are more untangled or harmonious because of the balance of their Planetary Placements in their Birth Chart. Then again, there is no scientific evidence to prove these theories. However, the concepts are appreciated by tens of millions worldwide as they can relate to them.
What are the primary takeaways? Is the Multiple Personality Trait a Blessing or a Curse?
Based on the insights from George Herbert Mead, Sigmund Freud, and Vedic Astrology, we can conclude that it highly depends on how a person manages their “Self,” or “Identities,” or “Ego.” And perhaps the understanding of their “Planetary Alignment” to some extend. This article does not intend to shame or condemn clinical DID. Instead, it portrays the more Human side of its existence.
Every child or Human is unique and special in their individualized way. It requires special attention and care from an early age because every person handles a given situation differently. In addition, it has been learned and understood that every person can be born with “Multi-Personality” traits and that some psychological processes like emotional upheavals, trauma, and distress can only activate those “Alters” or “Identities” within a person.
Therefore, this study also helps us look at Childhood Development and how parents and guardians can prevent such tragedies for their children in the future. At least, that is what clinical DID has confirmed and concluded. However, this research or article is not really about Childhood Development, even when they are co-related.
Humans are naturally capable of “Multi-Personality.”
It is important to remember that every child undergoes some trauma during their childhood, irrespective of whether they were born into a loving home or a chaotic one or whether they grew up in a wealthy or poor household. In other words, childhood traumas are not always caused by household situations alone. But it can also be caused by people in the neighboring community or acquaintances while growing up.
People go through multiple social experiences throughout their lives. And those events shape them into their “Selves” as they grow into adults. For instance, if you traveled a lot during school or early childhood without having constant friends, you might suffer from social isolation or lack of comfort in social relations. In addition, if you have experienced public humiliation at school or in other social groups, it may also influence your “Personality” as you develop. Regardless of the best intentions of your caretakers, you are only human to have flaws or have experienced such emotional upheavals during your childhood or adolescence.
In reality, each person handles their situation differently, but that doesn’t imply that some are weak or some are strong.
Every person has unique “Coping Mechanisms” in their “Self,” and they will manage or react to their struggles differently. For example, despite growing up in the same household sometimes, we all have varying perspectives on our way of life and choices because of our diverse “other” via similar Social Experiences, “Ego,” and “Copying Mechanisms” within the “Self.” An abusive alcoholic father or mother might raise two children in a particular household, and both may grow up completely different from each other due to their diverse “Coping Mechanisms” as an individual. Here is where George H Mead, Sigmund Freud, and Vedic Astrology come into play.
Mead argued that people are all shaped and built by “Social Experiences” and transcend to “others” or “Alters” when their pressure points are triggered. Freud discussed the concept of “Ego Strength,” where a person has to manage their pressure points to avoid being disruptive. Vedic Astrology acknowledges that “Planetal Alignments” and the capacity to perceive things differently may influence how individuals react to similar situations. However, some might suffer from severe disbelief in “themSelves,” causing the “Alters” or “Identities” to turn against one another, ultimately harming the owner of their “Self.” And such individuals may require clinical attention or treatment. However, if mental health professionals mislead their patients into believing DID is abnormal or non-human, the patients will only deteriorate!!
Therefore, “Multi-Personality” can likewise be a Blessing and a Curse, depending on how we control our thoughts and Emotions. If we learn to manage our minds and the mechanics of our bodies, we will understand how beautiful it is to carry “Multi-Personalities” within the “Self.”
And the journey to truly becoming “one” with all your “Personalities” may not be pleasant, but what you “feed” is what you become!!