Acceso usuarios
Carlos S. Alvarado
The concept of dissociation, or idea that the mind can be fragmented by relegating some perceptions, sensations, and experiences into non-conscious mental leves, was developed in an organized way during the nineteenth century. It is argued that this model of the functioning of the mind was derived from observations of a variety of phenomena. During hypnosis many investigators observed examples of state-specific memories, changes of personality and post-hypnotic suggestions. Memory-related phenomena and alterations of personality were also reported during the past century outside of the hypnotic trance, as seen in cases of somnambulism and multiple personality. Other phenomena considered to support the existence of a dissociative process were the sensory and motor disturbances of hysteria, and the manifestations of spirit mediumship such as automatic writing. These phenomena were also influential in the development of the theoretical framework of clinical psychology and psychiatry, especially in the refinement of concepts of the existence and action of a subconscious level of mental functioning.
