ON THE BELIEF THAT ONE-BODY MAY BE HOST TO 2 OR MORE PERSONALITIES

The belief in the validity of the multiple personality concept is disc ussed in this article. Two scaffolding constructions are analyzed: dis sociation and repression. As generally employed, these constructions g rant no agency to the multiple personality patient. The claim is made that the conduct of interest arises in discourse, usually with the the rapist as the discourse partner. In reviewing the history of multiple personality and the writings of current advocates, it becomes clear th at contemporary users of the multiple personality disorder diagnosis p articipate in a subculture with its own set of myths, one of which is the autonomous actions of mental faculties. Of special significance is the readiness to transfigure imaginings into rememberings of child ab use, leading ultimately to the manufacture of persons. The implication s for both therapy and theory of regarding the patient as agent in pla ce of the belief that the contranormative conduct is under the control of mentalistic faculties are discussed.