Question
What is the opinion Nicholas Spanos had regarding dissociative identity disorder?
Answers
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Nicholas Spanos, a psychologist and researcher known for his work on dissociative identity disorder (DID), had a controversial stance on the condition. He argued that DID should not be viewed as a legitimate psychiatric disorder but rather as a socially constructed phenomenon. Spanos contended that the symptoms of DID, including the presence of multiple distinct identities or personalities, could be better explained as a form of role enactment or a result of suggestibility, rather than as a genuine dissociative condition.
His research focused on the social and cognitive processes involved in the manifestation of DID symptoms, emphasizing that many aspects of the disorder could be understood through social psychology perspectives. Spanos believed that the "alters" or identities in DID might emerge as a result of expectations, therapy suggestions, or the influence of cultural narratives, rather than representing true dissociative states.
Overall, Spanos's opinions challenged mainstream views about DID and sparked considerable debate within the psychological community regarding the nature and validity of the disorder.
His research focused on the social and cognitive processes involved in the manifestation of DID symptoms, emphasizing that many aspects of the disorder could be understood through social psychology perspectives. Spanos believed that the "alters" or identities in DID might emerge as a result of expectations, therapy suggestions, or the influence of cultural narratives, rather than representing true dissociative states.
Overall, Spanos's opinions challenged mainstream views about DID and sparked considerable debate within the psychological community regarding the nature and validity of the disorder.