The Descriptive Phenomenology of Dissociative Identity Disorder

Abstract

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) remains an enigmatic and debated psychiatric phenomenon. Despite ongoing controversies surrounding its validity, there has been limited attention directed towards understanding the actual lived experiences of individuals affected by DID, which is inherently complex. To address this gap, this study employs descriptive qualitative methodology to explore first-person accounts of people with DID. The research consists of three empirical chapters. The first study presents a systematic review study, revealing that even qualitative investigations of first-person accounts were filtered by professionals, emphasizing the need for a more direct and inclusive perspective. The second study presents findings from an online survey study with 64 participants with DID. The research contributes novel insights as individuals openly share predominantly traumatic experiences, including sexual abuse, and shed light on their clinical symptoms and social challenges. Paradoxically, seeking psychological assistance often hinders their access to adequate support due to various factors. Through the participants' shared experiences, this research offers valuable insights into the complexities of living with DID and enriches existing literature on the subject. The narratives underscore the importance of providing appropriate support and resources to aid individuals in coping with their condition. The third study details an interview study with 26 participants, aiming to comprehensively understand the lived experiences and subjective perspectives of individuals with DID, with a specific focus on identity and embodiment dynamics. Themes of Body Experience and Shattered Self emerged, illustrating the profound impact of DID on individuals' lives. By deepening our understanding of the phenomenology of DID, this research can serve as a guiding resource for future studies.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Dundee
Supervisor	Fabio Sani (Supervisor) & Keith Matthews (Supervisor)