Multiple personality and splitting phenomena: a reconceptualization.

Multiple personality and splitting phenomena described in the psychoanalytic literature are placed in juxtaposition. A reconceptualization of multiple personality is attempted. It is assumed that the splitting of multiple personality is qualitatively similar to the splitting in narcissistic character disorders and that the genetic antecedents of multiple personality can be traced to the narcissistic phase. Some of the literature pertaining to multiple personality is reviewed, followed by selected psychoanalytic sources referring to developmental issues and pathology in narcissistic character disorders. Material from three cases is briefly presented to illustrate the various levels of multiple personality and to show its continuity with narcissistic disorders.