Introduction to Plurality

Note: This guide is primarily a resource about TRAUMAGENIC (originating from trauma) plurality and does not go into other contested forms. So, let’s dive in: What is plurality?

Plurality refers to a phenomenon in which multiple identities (also known as alters or parts) are present in one body. The Sidran Institute notes that a person with dissociative identity disorder “feels as if they have within them two or more entities, each with its own way of thinking and remembering about themself and their life. It is important to keep in mind that although these alternate states may feel or appear to be very different, they are all manifestations of a single, whole person.”

The most important thing to remember when thinking about plurality is that no human being has one totally integrated personality. Plurality is an extreme manifestation of what we all experience to a much lesser degree. With plurality, the boundaries between parts are much more rigid and the parts themselves appear much more distinct.¹

Plurality is present in dissociative disorders such as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) or OSDD (Other Specified Dissociative Disorder). However, not all dissociatve disorders include plurality as a symptom.

The prevalence of DID (not any other types of plurality) appears highest in emergency psychiatric settings and affects approximately 1% of the general population.² DID cannot form after ages 6-9 because individuals older than these ages develop or are in the process of developing an integrated self identity and history.³

Recently there has been a boom of plural communities online, due to increased awareness about dissociative disorders spread through social media. Sub-groups of the online plural community include, among others, a high number of individuals with disabilities (increased accessibility virtually), individuals who are autistic (preference and processing online rather than in person), and individuals of the LGBTQ+ community (connecting via virtual landscape rather than local geography).⁴

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