Alter-personalities Quote by Frank W. Putnam
““The differences in alter personality states' self-concepts can be striking, but authorities routinely stress that these are more apparent than real (e.g., Putnam, 1989a; Kluft, 1991). Various typologies have been offered, but few systematic data exist. Types of MPD alters, such as child-like personality states, angry alters, protectors, and persecutors, are found often enough to warrant further investigation.””
About This Quote
Source Journal Article: Personality Disorders Review, 1992
Alter personalities appear distinct but are often superficial variations of a core self, yet research on their systematic classification is limited.
In simple terms: Alters seem different but share a core self; research is sparse.
Key Takeaway
Recognize underlying continuity despite apparent differences.
Themes
psychology
identity
research
personality disorders
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
academic
clinical
When to use this quote
- clinical assessment
- therapy planning
- academic study
- diagnostic evaluation
Key Concepts
self-concept
alter personalities
typologies
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians differentiate true personality shifts from superficial changes?
- What methods could improve systematic data collection on alters?
A Different Perspective
Limited empirical data hampers clear classification of alter types.
![“clinical literature is virtually unanimous that full MPD [Multiple Personality Disorder] cannot be created iatrogenically. There is no evidence that such a case has been demonstrated; clinicians of widely different orientations have studied the available information and arrived at similar…” quote by Richard P. Kluft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/41f/richard-p-kluft-44450_books_clinical-literature-is-virtually-unanimo_296516.jpg)
