Object relations and multiple personality: an exploration of the literature

Multiple personality is a dissociative hysterical condition in which there are two or more autonomous personalities. Historically multiple personality has been viewed as an oedipal conflict. Case studies, however, indicate the importance of preoedipal dynamic issues as well. Both ego splitting and oedipal repression seem to be the basic defense mechanisms. The depressive position, in which there is integration of good and bad objects, has not been reached. Objects are split on the basis of sex in that the mother is seen as all bad, while the father is seen as all good. Multiple personality can be considered to occupy a position between oedipal and preoedipal development.