Dissociative Identity Disorder: Etiology, Media, and Stigma

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is often portrayed incorrectly in the media, causing the public to know little about the disorder other than the stigmatizing information from the media. Because of this, individuals with the disorder often face more stigmatizing behaviors than the normal amount of stigma those with mental disorders often face. The newest revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) contributes the etiology of the disorder to underlying trauma, however many psychologists consider a sociocognitive or fantasy model. Current research provides more support for the trauma/posttraumatic model of the disorder and further supports the harm the media is causing