Dissociation : Vol. 3, No. 3 (Sept. 1990)

Permanent URI for this collection

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

Open Access
Dissociation : Vol. 3, No. 3, p. 154-159 : Mental unity, altered states of consciousness and dissociation
(Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, 1990-09) Tinnin, Louis
This model for understanding altered states of consciousness and dissociation is based on the hypothesis that normal consciousness depends on an illusion of mental unity generated by certain dynamic brain processes. When these processes are altered and the illusion of mental unity is lost, the individual experiences an altered state of consciousness in which normal consciousness is latent or "dissociated." Mental organizations formed during an altered state will, in turn, become dissociated when the altered state is terminated and mental unity returns. In some cases, recurrent altered states may lead to multiple dissociated mental systems or states. Therapeutic resolution of dissociation requires that the individual gain access to the memory, transcend the obligatory illusion of unity, and consciously avow the ego state formed during the traumatic altered state of consciousness.