Thigpen, C.H. & Cleckley, H. (1954)

A case of multiple personality. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 49, 135-51

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is one of the most fascinating and controversial psychological conditions.  It is not to be confused with schizophrenia as sufferers do not experience the emotional and cognitive disturbances typical of schizophrenia.  Although the term schizophrenia means, literally, ‘split-mind’, this refers to the loss of unity between psychological functions. Multiple Personality Disorder is defined as a ‘dissociative disorder in which two or more distinct personalities co-exist within the same individual’. Individually each personalities may be fully integrated and have distinct memories, behaviour patterns, social relationships and cognitive functioning. There is a long running debate over whether such a condition actually exists.

Extract: After a discussion of the mysterious letter which Eve White denied having sent, she suddenly put her hands to her head as if in pain.  After a moment of silence her hands dropped, and the therapist observed a ‘quick, reckless smile’.  In a bright voice she said ‘Hi there, Doc!’. Eve White had changed into a confident and relaxed person. She crossed her legs and the therapist ‘noted from the corner of his awareness something distinctly attractive about them, and also this was the first time he had received such an impression’.