Plurality
Learn about the concept of plurality, and what it entails.
Basic Information
Plurality, occasionally known as multiplicity, is the existence of multiple self-aware entities in a single brain.
Folks often associate plurality with dissociative disorders like DID and OSDD. However, many pluralities are non-disordered, and they aren't necessarily problematic or negative.
Plural systems may experience amnesia-like symptoms, but this is not a universal rule, and many systems don't.
Generally, a grouping of plural entities is known as a plural system, or just a system. A single plural entity in a system is known as a headmate, or a system member.
When interacting with members of plural systems, it is crucial you treat each one with respect and understand that they're their own unique individuals. Do not pathologise or medicalise their system, suggest they need to be "fixed" or "cured", or ask to speak with the "real" person. Additionally, system members often have their own experiences, memories, and personalities. If they ask to be treated a certain way, it is important you respect their wish.
It is also worth noting that pluralities can be very complex, and we still lack in-depth research and understanding on how plural systems work, or where they come from.
Plural systems differ greatly from each other, and they may manifest and identify themselves in an infinite number of ways. All plural systems are valid, regardless of their origins, expression, or identity.
Attributions and Thanks
This section would not have been possible to write without the support of the plural community and several key resources:
- The PluralKit community, who put up with us asking research questions to write many of the articles in this section, graciously providing input as they could.
- Pluralpedia, for their list of research articles and resources about dissociative disorders and systems.
- MoreThanOne, for their helpful descriptions of the concepts and terms used in plural spaces and systems.
For more information on the sources used for articles covering this topic, see the attribution sections at the bottom of each.