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Dissociation : Vol. 2, No. 3, p. 138-143 : Internal self helpers of persons with multiple personality disorder
(Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, 1989-09) Adams, M. Ann
In the past, Internal Self Helpers (ISHs) of persons with multiple personality disorder (MPD) have been described by a small number of therapists. This study broadens the base of information relating to ISHs. Forty respondents who collectively had been therapists for a total of 690 MPD patients participated in the study. The findings of this study suggest that a) ISH occurrence within MPD clients is not uncommon; b) ISHs can be valuable assets in the therapeutic process; c) therapists differ in their explanations of and beliefs about ISHs, as well as the manner in which they relate to and utilise ISHs; d) ISHs are reported to be mostly knowledgeable, reliable, and helpful; e) ISHs demonstrate a wide variety of abilities; and f) while there is no one explanation regarding the etiology and nature of ISHs, therapists most commonly tend to describe ISHs as possessing unifying, centering, and protective functions within MPD persons.