Martinez-Taboas, Alfonso, 1953-2005-10-052005-10-051991-090896-2863https://hdl.handle.net/1794/1450p. 129-133This paper proposes that the perspective of social constructionism provides fertile theoretical grounds to comprehend and appreciate the phenomenon of multiple personality disorder (MPD). From a social constructivist standpoint, the manifestations of MPD are constricted by local and historical constructions of the self. It is suggested that the independent and separate self characteristic of some western cultures, and especially its magnification in the last three centuries, has created the necessary background for the development and unfolding of a disorder such as MPD. It is proposed that in cultures where the self is collectivist and interpersonal in orientation, a disorder such as MPD will be rare or non-existent. Also, social constructionisin posits that culture will restrain the presence of highrisk situations that facilitate the development of MPD. It is proposed that MPD should be studied at a local and historical level, and that we should doubt the notion that MPD is an atemporal and universal phenomenon.416089 bytesapplication/pdfen-USArticle