Research Proposal

Sharron Chambers

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Research Design & Methods PSY 635

Dr. Thomas McCarty

June 25, 2017

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Introduction

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a condition in which an individual finds himself or herself in a state which comprises feelings of depersonalization and unreality. This is at times accompanied by the individual losing self-identity (Sarason & Sarason, 2005). This is an important area of study in the field of psychology because it is a subject which people lack enough knowledge on. A lot of cases of individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder have been reported throughout history and many cultures in the world (Pica, 1999). However, with all the reported cases, people have not yet gained a good grip on the disorder, some individuals have even gone to the extent of confusing and equating it to demonic possession (Braude, 1995). It is therefore very important to understand the disorder since it will enlighten the society on its causes, how to cope up with it and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Review of Literature

Dissociative Identity Disorders involves temporary or sudden change in identity, consciousness or behavior. An individual with disorder may re-experience past trauma, have flashbacks or nightmares, switch to a totally different personality. According Margaret Mcallister in her journal, ‘Dissociative Identity Disorder: a literature review’, individuals with DID tend to use it as a protective mechanism. This usually occurs when they are exposed to situations or conditions of stress. They switch to an alternative personality which they believe can handle the stress. The study opine that Dissociative Identity Disorder takes place in a string of dissociative phases; these are fugue or amnesia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and finally DID also known as multiple personality disorder.

The disorder, while increasingly reported, remains a debatable and controversial diagnosis. The disorder is characterized with predominant symptoms rather than signs. The suffering experienced by individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder includes mistrust and fear of others, deep insecurity, loneliness, nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, headaches, missing and fragmented memories, loss of space and time, and lack of lucid sense of identity and self (Mcallister, 2000).

Analysis of Research Methods

Mcallister’s study applies the use of two research methods; these are surveys and naturalistic observation. Survey research method is characterized with the use of data collection techniques in order to study a particular subject. This entails sampling of elements from a well-drawn study population (Penny, Lavraws, & Krosnick, n.d). The study uses this technique to research on the progress of DID as reported across history. Naturalistic observation on the other hand involves observing subjects in their natural environment, for instance talking to and observing individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder as used in Mcallister’s study.

Summary and Conclusion

In psychology, Dissociative Identity Disorder is fascinating area as well as a very controversial one. The controversy comes from the factor that awareness on the disorder is not well distributed. A lot of myths and misconceptions have been formulated about the disorder which should not be the case since it is real. The disorder can be initiated by childhood abuses and forms of trauma during early stages in life. Individual with this disorder believe that they can switch to other personalities as a way of coping up with stress. Numerous cases have been reported on DID making it an interesting area to study.

REFERENCES

Braude, S. (1995). First person plural: Multiple personality and the philosophy of the mind.

Penny, S., Lavraws, J., & Krosnick, J. (n.d). Survey Research .

Pica, M. (1999). The evolution of alter personality states in dissociative identity disorder. Psychotherapy, 36(4), 404 - 415.

Sarason, I., & Sarason, B. (2005). Abnormal psychology: the problem of maladaptive behavior (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.