4 DISSOCIATIVE IDENITY DISORDER Sharron Chambers Dissociative Identity Disorder Research Design & Methods PSY 635 Dr. Thomas McCarty June 25, 2017 Running head: DISSOCIATIVE IDENITY DISORDER 1 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.

1. 4
DISSOCIATIVE IDENITY DISORDER
Sharron Chambers
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Research Design & Methods PSY 635
Dr. Thomas McCarty
June 25, 2017
Running head: DISSOCIATIVE IDENITY DISORDER 1
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,

2. 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

3. 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.