Glossary - General terminology
Definitions based on Plural-related terms. These definitions are a combination of personal insight and well-known internet definitions.
Age Slider
An age-slider is an individual within a plural group who experiences a fluctuating age. The fluctuating age can be a mentality slide, a body-appearance slide, or both.
A mentality slide is when the temperament or personality of a child or adult changes from one age into a different age. A child may behave like a child and then behave like an adult, yet is still the same child in appearance.
An appearance slide is when the outer appearance changes from one age into a younger or older appearance. An individual may normally appear as an adult or child, yet have moments of changing an older or younger appearance.
Some individuals slide back and forth between two ages (only age 4 or only age 15). Others slide all up and down a particular age range. The age may not be easily determined other than "today I feel small, yesterday I felt older". For some, it's a one time permanent slide from a child into a teen or an adult.
It isn't always clear why some are able to slide while others are not. It could be caused by stress or distress. Some individuals are able to choose for themselves when they are ready to become an adult and their decision will trigger the slide. Sliding upwards in age doesn't always mean progress, the same as a slide downwards doesn't always mean a failure.
Age is relative and Silhouettes use the term to mean apparent age and not always literal age.
Alter
The medical definition states that an alter is created "for the purpose of operating the body so that the person will survive life-threatening trauma." This term is most commonly used by Plural groups with individuals considered not fully formed. An alter may be seen as parts of a single person who have split off. Not all Plurals use this term; seeing their group members as separate and complete people. Many in the Plural community will take offense at being referred to as an Alter or Personality.
*Also used: ego state, inner, insider, part, personality, personality state.
Apparent Age vs. Actual Age
An individual's Apparent Age is the age they seem to be. An individual's Actual Age may not always match their Apparent Age. If on the outside, someone appears physically to be a child, it may be assumed they look between 5 and 8 years old. In truth, this apparent-child could be over 30 years old. Some individuals' outward appearances remain unchanged through the years. A child could actually be an adult and an adult could actually be a child. The years pass, but their bodies do not reflect this change. A child's mind may age and grow with time, or their child-like tendencies can remain unchanged.
Aspect
An aspect is another word for a fragment, or an individual who is not fully-formed. An aspect can also be a mood that a person experiences; when someone doesn't feel entirely like themselves. An aspect could also be individuals within a smaller group within the whole; or a part of the whole. Some refer to an aspect the same as saying 'my other half' or 'my siblings'.
Avatar
Another word for the shared body.
Back
This is when someone is away from the Front, and has moved 'back' to another location.
Being Out
Being out is when an individual is currently in control of the body.
Birth Person
The birth person is another name for the core or the one born to the body.
*Also used: birth identity, core, host, original person, original personality, original self
Body History
The body history is the linear history that occurs for the physical body. This is the history that others on the outside would see or know of, no matter which individual were actually present during the events.
*Also used: Singlet history
Body Image/Appearance
For some, their own bodies look quite different than the physical body they all share. There can be differences in hair color, age, gender and even race and species.
Body Name
The body name is the name name put on the birth certificate when the body was born. This name may or may not be used by anyone else within the group.
Blurring
Blurring is when several individuals are near the Front together, making it difficult for them to distinguish between each other. They will have the feeling of not entirely knowing who they are in that particular moment. Those at the Front can become blended. It is possible to not even know what name to go by, or who they really are. It can feel like one big messy puddle with eyes. It isn't always clear why this happens to some groups and not to others.
See also: Flooding
Census
Some groups keep track of those who live with them, either as a basic number count or with elaborate information with dates of arrival, images, and biographies.
Channeling
The spiritual meaning of channeling refers to allowing another being or spirit to sit within their own body, giving them control of the body's actions. The Plural usage of the word relates to those at the Front. One individual controls the body while several others wish to contribute to an action, but are unable to do so themselves. The controlling-Front then channel their wishes performing the actions for them.
See also: co-fronting
Co-conscious
Co-conscious refers to an awareness of each other. More than one individual has access to the body at the same time. Possibly so they can read together, participate in a conversation, watch television or any other activity. Some individuals are not aware of one another. They would not be co-conscious.
Co-Fronting
Co-Fronting is when two or more individuals are able to Front at the same time. One speaks through another Fronter while they share the body simultaneously. Or they Front together in order to take part in an event at the Front like reading, eating or having a conversation.
Co-present
Co-present is when more than one individual is around at or near the Front.
Co-running
Co-running is when more than one person is at the Front. Some members are able to have access to the body simultaneously.
Core/Host
The Core or Host is the individual who was born to the body. This term also coincides with the idea that all Plurals are born as a single individual and are later split into parts due to trauma. Not all Plurals experience this. For some Plurals, it is nearly impossible to identify if a core or host exists. Either this person no longer resides with them, or they have never existed at all. Some groups may refer to their main fronter as a Host.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original personality, original self
Cycling
Cycling occurs when many individuals switch at the the Front in a short time span. This could take place intentionally when individuals wish to write a conversation to one another or it can happen unintentionally due to a highly stressful situation.
*Also used: revolving door, being switchy
Dissociation
Dissociation is when a person detaches themselves from their surroundings. This can occur while in a stressful situation, voluntarily or involuntarily.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
DID, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, "...is the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states...that recurrently take control of behavior." It is usually associated with memory loss and is considered a debilitating disorder, created by an individual who experienced traumatic abuse in childhood. There are many Plurals who do not consider themselves as having a disorder.
DSM-V
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; the main diagnostic reference of Mental Health professionals in the United States of America. The diagnosis code for DID is 300.14. Though as of Oct. 1, 2015, the DSM-V codes have switched to ICD-10. The ICD DID code is F44.81.
Empowered Multiple
According to Astraea, an Empowered Multiple is about "taking responsibility for your own life, learning to care for your own collective/system/group/selves and self, building teamwork and cooperation, setting healthy boundaries and standing strong against those who would use or abuse you. Any Multiple System can be empowered." This was a label used by some Plural groups in order to clarify that they were not claiming they had DID, and were not experiencing the symptoms of that medical model.
Filters
Filters are what some Plurals put in place to keep minimal contact with the others within their group while one is Fronting. This can prevent thoughts or emotions from leaking to those nearby. Filters can also be used to prevent members from behaving in a Plural way around non-Plurals. Sometimes these are unintentional filters that are difficult to bypass, because they were put in place for protection.
Flooding
Flooding happens when the thoughts or emotions of the others become so intense that it affects the functions of the individual currently Fronting. Their filters have failed and allowed group stimuli to bleed over.
Flying Toaster
A phrase that mocks the erroneous popular concept that people with multiple personalities have amazing psychic powers and fritz out electronic equipment all the time.
*Also used: Toastering, Toaster Powers
Fragment
A fragment is one within a group who is not a complete person or they are considered a piece of the original person. A Fragment may not have fully awakened, can access only a particular memory, or have one function only. A fragment may one day become a complete person, remain the way they are, or even disappear.
*Also used: Shell, Shard, Part, Aspect
Front
The Front is another word for the body that all members share or are able to control. It could literally be the physical body or it could also include the space immediately around the Fronting area. Some groups consider the Front to be sentient unto itself.
*Also used: Forward, Body Front, Total Front, Here
Fronting
A term meaning "one who controls the body", whether it is in a sharing capacity, or as an observer. Anyone who can observe and witness what happens in the earth realm is Fronting (even if they aren't controlling the body in any way).
*Also used: Here, Up Front, Out, Being Out
Fusion
Another word used with integration, meaning to join members together in some way so they become one entity.
*Also used: Integration, Merge.
Gatekeeper
A gatekeeper may be an individual within a group who helps maintain the doorway or gate to/from the body. This individual may decide who can and can't use the body, or keep troublemakers from abusing the body in any way. This may be a person or it can be an automatic filter put in place for this purpose.
*Also used: Protector, Guardian
Gatekeeping (tumblr)
Gatekeeping is when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity. In the case of Plurality, a Gatekeeper is someone who makes a judgement on who they believe is or is not truly Plural. The Gatekeeper may believe they are only protecting the interests of 'true' Plurals, but most see this as negative and harmful.
Gateway
A Gateway usually refers to larger groups, or groups containing immense realms where they can access this earth realm via the body. Some consider their shared physical body to be their gateway to the earth realm. Gateways can contain thousands or more individuals, many who are not even aware of the physical body at all.
Gender Shifter
An individual who is able to change their gender at will.
Group
Another name for System, or a collection of individuals who share a single physical body.
Also used: Clan, Collective, Family, Gang, Headmates, Headvoices, House, Household, Inners, System
Group Mates
A term for others within a Group.
*Also used: Head Mates, System Mates, Insiders, Head People
Hard Switch
When one person leaves the body and a different person arrives into the body. They are completely different, separate individuals. As opposed to a Soft Switch, where one person only partially moves away, allowing the pair to possibly co-front.
Head Mate
Another word for a fellow System or Group member.
*Also used: Group Mate, System Mate, Insider, Head People.
Head Space
The place where group members live when they are not at the Front. This can be a small area encompassing a single room or building, or it could be as large as an entire realm/dimension with a single planet or many planetary systems.
*Also used: Astral, Inner World, In-House, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality.
Healthy Multiple/Healthy Plural
The belief that Plurality is not a disorder that needs to be cured. A healthy group is one who functions well together, communicates, and takes responsibility for their actions.
See also: Empowered Multiple
Host Personality
Defined as the one who Fronts more than any of the others. Some groups do not have a host or core individual.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original personality, original self
See also: Core/Host
ICD-10
The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is a system used by physicians and other healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the United States. The code for Dissociative Identity Disorder is F44.81.
Inner Self Helper (ISH)
In therapy, this was known as the individual (a guardian or helper) who shares the most information. Their characteristics are: Knows all about history of patient and can predict short term future; talks intellectually instead of emotionally, carefully chooses precise words; and such things as believing in a higher purpose, etc. Apparently, every system has an "ISH" specially designed to fill the therapist's every whim. This term is used mostly in relation to DID.
Inner World
An inner world is a place where everyone within a group resides when they are not at the Front. The world may include one building or contain entire planets. Not every group has an inner world. Some have large and very elaborate inner worlds, some have smaller ones, and others have no inner world at all. Some say that an inner world is created from a person with a vivid imagination or from daydreams, or even as a form of astral travel.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality.
Insider
Another word for system members and others within a Plural group.
*Also used: Group Mate, System Mate, Head Mate, Head People
Integration
The ultimate goal of most DID/MPD therapy. Many therapists believe that by forcing individuals of a Plural group to merge together, the end result will be one happy original person. This works for some, but many groups have no desire to pursue this option in order to feel healthy. Integration may not even be possible for many groups.
Inter-System travel
The ability to travel from one group to another.
Intra-system relationship
When an individual has a relationship with another member within their own group.
In-world
To live or visit one's inner world.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Inner World, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality
Littles
A term used by some specifically for the younger people within a Plural group.
*Also used: Children, Kids, Kidlets, youngers, smalls, young people, child alters
Losing Time
Some Plurals talk of losing time; an event took place in which another does not recall. An hour passes, but there is no memory of what occurred. This can happen due to stress or even lack of communication and connections between others in a group. Losing time is also seen as a disordered symptom of being Plural.
Mapping
Mapping is often used in therapy as a way for a patient to understand themselves better. The patient is asked to draw a genealogical diagram or map of everyone in their group and what they believe their functions are. The problem with this is it can force someone to assign jobs to those in their group, making them feel like this job is all they exist for.
Meat Space
A term, originating from cyberpunk fiction and culture, Meat Space is the world outside of the 'net-- that is to say, the real (that is, not virtual) world, where you do things with your body in the world of flesh and blood rather than with your keyboard. The opposite of Cyberspace. Some Plurals use this term to refer to the world where the shared physical body resides.
*Also used: 3D, body's world, out here, physical world, real world, outer world
Median
According to Astraea, "Persons in a median system may be dependent upon a single individual (who may have created them at some point), and are unable to exist without that central person. Some people in a hosting situation might think of themselves as median. You might say something like "there are many of us, but we are really all Karen" or "aspects of Karen", etc. Various metaphors have been invoked by median systems to describe their experience, such as a stem with leaves, the spokes of a wheel, pages in a book, or a sun orbited by planets." (Not to be confused with a Medium, which is a person who can speak to or channel a ghost or spirit.)
*Also used: Mid-Continuum
Merge
Another word used with integration, meaning to join members together in some way so they become one entity.
*Also used: Integration, Fusion
Mid-Continuum
In between being Plural and non-Plural, or someone in the middle of the dissociative continuum. Some believe the difference between being Median and Mid-Continuum is that one is conscious of those in their group, and the other is not. Another possible difference between Median and Mid-Continuum is the former isn't specifically related to dissociation, while the latter is. It is debatable if there is a difference or if they are only different words for the same experience. This an older term and isn't used as often anymore.
Multiple/Multiplicity
A common word used to mean "more than one individual sharing a single, physical body". Many view Multiplicity not an illness or disorder that needs to be cured. It is often used interchangeably with Plurality.
*Also used: Plural, Plurality
Multiple Group/Plural Group
A Multiple Group or a Plural Group are another terminology for a System. "We aren't Plural, we're a Plural Group." Some Plurals also refer to themselves as "a group of Plurals and non-Plurals", meaning some in their group are Plural themselves, while others are not.
Also used: System, Collective
Multiple Personality Disorder
MPD. Another name for Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Muse
An artist's source of inspiration. This word has also been used by some to describe the 'voices' they may hear in their head. Not wishing to sound disordered or Plural in any way, the word Muse is an easier concept for some to accept.
Natural Multiples/Natural Plurals
A Natural Multiple or Plural is a group who feels their origins did not begin with trauma or abuse. Their body was born with the tendency to become more than one, without the intense need for survival from abuse. This does not mean such a group did not experience trauma at some point during their lives, it only means they do not attribute abuse as their origin.
Original Personality
Another word for the Core or Host of a group. The one to whom the body belongs. Not every group has an original or birth person among them.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original self
See also: Core/Host, Host Personality
Other World
Another word for a different location group members live when not Fronting.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Inner World, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality
Outer World
The Outer World is the world where the physical body resides. Some prefer to call it the Earth Realm.
*Also used: 3D, body's world, out here, physical world, real world, meat space
Paracosm
According to Wiki, "A paracosm is a detailed imaginary world created inside one's mind. This fantasy world may involve humans, animals, and things that exist in reality; or it may also contain entities that are entirely imaginary, alien, and otherwordly. Commonly having its own geography, history, and language, the experience of such a paracosm is often developed during childhood and continues over a long period of time: months or even years."
Parallel Systems
According to Astraea, "Two independently existing groups coexisting in one body, with or without knowledge of one another. A system experiencing parallel existence - one self existing in multiple timelines, each experiencing a different possibility, but aware of one another even if unable to enter into one another's timelines."
*Also used: Groups within Groups, Systems within Systems.
Partner Group
Partner groups are basically groups who have relationships or significant others between them. Travelling between groups and sharing realms doesn't have to be included.
Personality
Another word for to Alter, or other individuals who share the body. This is usually used with DID systems. Some groups find the word Personality and Alter to be insulting.
*Also used: Alter, ego state, part, aspect
Playing Singlet
Playing Singlet is when a Plural group behaves as a non-plural. This singlet identity is the person that most people think 'you' are. Plurals may do this around anyone who is unaware of Plurality. Some groups automatically default to behaving like a Singlet whenever they are not alone. For many, this is a necessity or a survival tactic. Since many Group members are quite different than the body's Singlet persona, pretending to be a non-Plural can leave them feeling as though they are being deceitful, since they are unable to tell others who they really are. It can be a cause of great stress, isolation and loneliness for many Plurals.
*Also used: Presenting self
Plural/Plurality
A common word used to mean "more than one individual sharing a single, physical body". Many view Plurality not an illness or disorder that needs to be cured. Plurality is the overall terminology which contains the entire Plural spectrum. It is often used interchangeably with Multiplicity.
*Also used: Multiple, Multiplicity
Possession
According to Astraea, Possession is "Control of the body by a person who comes from outside. May be voluntary, as in some religious ceremonies of Southeast Asia or the West Indies, or involuntary. In the 19th and early 20th century, mediums who let channeled spirits share their bodies, a form of voluntary possession, were referred to as having multiple personalities. Multiplicity has often been confused with possession, although the Catholic Church has strict criteria for distinguishing the two. Some Plurals believe in possession and some do not."
See also: Channeling
Presenting Self
Using a Singlet persona while in public or around other people in order to keep Plurality private.
*Also used: Playing Singlet
Protector Alter
For some, a protector alter has the role of making sure the system is safe.
Repressed memories
Memories that are locked deep inside the mind of someone and they are not able to access them. This term can be used in relation to a disordered System, or anyone suffering from severe abuse.
Singlet/Singleton/Singular
A single, individual mind using a single, physical body at all times with no other minds or souls present. Silhouettes think of themselves as many Singlets and Plurals sharing one body.
*Also used: Non-Multiples, Non-Plurals, Single-Minds
Smooshed
Fronting together and being unable to distinguish exactly who is present; or fronting together so closely, one's identity becomes temporarily merged. Sometimes stress causes this to occur.
*Also used: Blurring, Flooding, Integration
Splitting
The act of breaking yourself into more than one person or fragment. This is what most underlying messages of Multiple therapy involves; a single person who became more than one by splitting into many. It shouldn't be assumed that all Plural groups exist due to splitting.
Soft Switch
When one individual partially moves away from the body, allowing another individual to have a little more control. They may co-front together. This is also common with Medians who are more connected with one another and may not be able to move away completely (a Hard Switch).
Static Age
Static age is when an individual's outward appearance does not change with the passage of time. The individual could be locked within a particular event in their own history. Their own death, or a traumatic experience caused them to stop outward aging.
Survivor Multiple/Survivor Plural
A Plural system where one or more individuals in the group have survived abuse and/or trauma. Many Survivor Multiples claim the origins of their system to the abuse.
Switching
Switching is when there is a change in who controls the physical body, or who is Fronting. For some, the switch is barely noticeable on the outside, if at all.
System
Generally this word is used to describe a Plural group as a whole. This can include individuals-only, or individuals and the world where they live.
*Also used: Clan, Collective, Family, Gang, Group, Headmates, Headvoices, House, Household, Inners
System deaths
At times individuals can and do die within a group. This can be a permanent death or temporary.
Thought-creation
For some, the idea that the thoughts of individuals can result in the creation of another new individual isn't so difficult to imagine. This is different than actually giving birth, yet this newly thought-created person could be referred to as newly-born. Some Plural Groups have inner realms that are very dependent on the thoughts of those who live in it. Some might consider a Thought-Created Person the same as an In-sourced Soulbond or Tulpa. Some groups are able to manipulate their 'inner world' environment using thought.
*Also used: Thought Form
Trigger
A Trigger is a strong emotional reaction set off by words or images that reminds a person of a traumatic event. It can be caused by something that's been read or seen or heard which brings back a painful memory from their past, usually in the form of a flashback. A trigger in general can be something either positive or negative. Though usually people 'being triggered' in the Plural community are experiencing something negative.
Trigger Warning
Used to alert people when an internet post, book, article, picture, video, audio clip, or some other media could potentially cause extremely negative reactions (such as post-traumatic flashbacks or self-harm) due to its content. Sometimes abbreviated as "TW."
World Sliding
A term meaning "the ability to travel to multiple worlds or dimensions". Possibly, but not always, used more in relation to Gateways. Silhouettes refer to this as "Strand-hopping".
Age Slider
An age-slider is an individual within a plural group who experiences a fluctuating age. The fluctuating age can be a mentality slide, a body-appearance slide, or both.
A mentality slide is when the temperament or personality of a child or adult changes from one age into a different age. A child may behave like a child and then behave like an adult, yet is still the same child in appearance.
An appearance slide is when the outer appearance changes from one age into a younger or older appearance. An individual may normally appear as an adult or child, yet have moments of changing an older or younger appearance.
Some individuals slide back and forth between two ages (only age 4 or only age 15). Others slide all up and down a particular age range. The age may not be easily determined other than "today I feel small, yesterday I felt older". For some, it's a one time permanent slide from a child into a teen or an adult.
It isn't always clear why some are able to slide while others are not. It could be caused by stress or distress. Some individuals are able to choose for themselves when they are ready to become an adult and their decision will trigger the slide. Sliding upwards in age doesn't always mean progress, the same as a slide downwards doesn't always mean a failure.
Age is relative and Silhouettes use the term to mean apparent age and not always literal age.
Alter
The medical definition states that an alter is created "for the purpose of operating the body so that the person will survive life-threatening trauma." This term is most commonly used by Plural groups with individuals considered not fully formed. An alter may be seen as parts of a single person who have split off. Not all Plurals use this term; seeing their group members as separate and complete people. Many in the Plural community will take offense at being referred to as an Alter or Personality.
*Also used: ego state, inner, insider, part, personality, personality state.
Apparent Age vs. Actual Age
An individual's Apparent Age is the age they seem to be. An individual's Actual Age may not always match their Apparent Age. If on the outside, someone appears physically to be a child, it may be assumed they look between 5 and 8 years old. In truth, this apparent-child could be over 30 years old. Some individuals' outward appearances remain unchanged through the years. A child could actually be an adult and an adult could actually be a child. The years pass, but their bodies do not reflect this change. A child's mind may age and grow with time, or their child-like tendencies can remain unchanged.
Aspect
An aspect is another word for a fragment, or an individual who is not fully-formed. An aspect can also be a mood that a person experiences; when someone doesn't feel entirely like themselves. An aspect could also be individuals within a smaller group within the whole; or a part of the whole. Some refer to an aspect the same as saying 'my other half' or 'my siblings'.
Avatar
Another word for the shared body.
Back
This is when someone is away from the Front, and has moved 'back' to another location.
Being Out
Being out is when an individual is currently in control of the body.
Birth Person
The birth person is another name for the core or the one born to the body.
*Also used: birth identity, core, host, original person, original personality, original self
Body History
The body history is the linear history that occurs for the physical body. This is the history that others on the outside would see or know of, no matter which individual were actually present during the events.
*Also used: Singlet history
Body Image/Appearance
For some, their own bodies look quite different than the physical body they all share. There can be differences in hair color, age, gender and even race and species.
Body Name
The body name is the name name put on the birth certificate when the body was born. This name may or may not be used by anyone else within the group.
Blurring
Blurring is when several individuals are near the Front together, making it difficult for them to distinguish between each other. They will have the feeling of not entirely knowing who they are in that particular moment. Those at the Front can become blended. It is possible to not even know what name to go by, or who they really are. It can feel like one big messy puddle with eyes. It isn't always clear why this happens to some groups and not to others.
See also: Flooding
Census
Some groups keep track of those who live with them, either as a basic number count or with elaborate information with dates of arrival, images, and biographies.
Channeling
The spiritual meaning of channeling refers to allowing another being or spirit to sit within their own body, giving them control of the body's actions. The Plural usage of the word relates to those at the Front. One individual controls the body while several others wish to contribute to an action, but are unable to do so themselves. The controlling-Front then channel their wishes performing the actions for them.
See also: co-fronting
Co-conscious
Co-conscious refers to an awareness of each other. More than one individual has access to the body at the same time. Possibly so they can read together, participate in a conversation, watch television or any other activity. Some individuals are not aware of one another. They would not be co-conscious.
Co-Fronting
Co-Fronting is when two or more individuals are able to Front at the same time. One speaks through another Fronter while they share the body simultaneously. Or they Front together in order to take part in an event at the Front like reading, eating or having a conversation.
Co-present
Co-present is when more than one individual is around at or near the Front.
Co-running
Co-running is when more than one person is at the Front. Some members are able to have access to the body simultaneously.
Core/Host
The Core or Host is the individual who was born to the body. This term also coincides with the idea that all Plurals are born as a single individual and are later split into parts due to trauma. Not all Plurals experience this. For some Plurals, it is nearly impossible to identify if a core or host exists. Either this person no longer resides with them, or they have never existed at all. Some groups may refer to their main fronter as a Host.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original personality, original self
Cycling
Cycling occurs when many individuals switch at the the Front in a short time span. This could take place intentionally when individuals wish to write a conversation to one another or it can happen unintentionally due to a highly stressful situation.
*Also used: revolving door, being switchy
Dissociation
Dissociation is when a person detaches themselves from their surroundings. This can occur while in a stressful situation, voluntarily or involuntarily.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
DID, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, "...is the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states...that recurrently take control of behavior." It is usually associated with memory loss and is considered a debilitating disorder, created by an individual who experienced traumatic abuse in childhood. There are many Plurals who do not consider themselves as having a disorder.
DSM-V
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; the main diagnostic reference of Mental Health professionals in the United States of America. The diagnosis code for DID is 300.14. Though as of Oct. 1, 2015, the DSM-V codes have switched to ICD-10. The ICD DID code is F44.81.
Empowered Multiple
According to Astraea, an Empowered Multiple is about "taking responsibility for your own life, learning to care for your own collective/system/group/selves and self, building teamwork and cooperation, setting healthy boundaries and standing strong against those who would use or abuse you. Any Multiple System can be empowered." This was a label used by some Plural groups in order to clarify that they were not claiming they had DID, and were not experiencing the symptoms of that medical model.
Filters
Filters are what some Plurals put in place to keep minimal contact with the others within their group while one is Fronting. This can prevent thoughts or emotions from leaking to those nearby. Filters can also be used to prevent members from behaving in a Plural way around non-Plurals. Sometimes these are unintentional filters that are difficult to bypass, because they were put in place for protection.
Flooding
Flooding happens when the thoughts or emotions of the others become so intense that it affects the functions of the individual currently Fronting. Their filters have failed and allowed group stimuli to bleed over.
Flying Toaster
A phrase that mocks the erroneous popular concept that people with multiple personalities have amazing psychic powers and fritz out electronic equipment all the time.
*Also used: Toastering, Toaster Powers
Fragment
A fragment is one within a group who is not a complete person or they are considered a piece of the original person. A Fragment may not have fully awakened, can access only a particular memory, or have one function only. A fragment may one day become a complete person, remain the way they are, or even disappear.
*Also used: Shell, Shard, Part, Aspect
Front
The Front is another word for the body that all members share or are able to control. It could literally be the physical body or it could also include the space immediately around the Fronting area. Some groups consider the Front to be sentient unto itself.
*Also used: Forward, Body Front, Total Front, Here
Fronting
A term meaning "one who controls the body", whether it is in a sharing capacity, or as an observer. Anyone who can observe and witness what happens in the earth realm is Fronting (even if they aren't controlling the body in any way).
*Also used: Here, Up Front, Out, Being Out
Fusion
Another word used with integration, meaning to join members together in some way so they become one entity.
*Also used: Integration, Merge.
Gatekeeper
A gatekeeper may be an individual within a group who helps maintain the doorway or gate to/from the body. This individual may decide who can and can't use the body, or keep troublemakers from abusing the body in any way. This may be a person or it can be an automatic filter put in place for this purpose.
*Also used: Protector, Guardian
Gatekeeping (tumblr)
Gatekeeping is when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity. In the case of Plurality, a Gatekeeper is someone who makes a judgement on who they believe is or is not truly Plural. The Gatekeeper may believe they are only protecting the interests of 'true' Plurals, but most see this as negative and harmful.
Gateway
A Gateway usually refers to larger groups, or groups containing immense realms where they can access this earth realm via the body. Some consider their shared physical body to be their gateway to the earth realm. Gateways can contain thousands or more individuals, many who are not even aware of the physical body at all.
Gender Shifter
An individual who is able to change their gender at will.
Group
Another name for System, or a collection of individuals who share a single physical body.
Also used: Clan, Collective, Family, Gang, Headmates, Headvoices, House, Household, Inners, System
Group Mates
A term for others within a Group.
*Also used: Head Mates, System Mates, Insiders, Head People
Hard Switch
When one person leaves the body and a different person arrives into the body. They are completely different, separate individuals. As opposed to a Soft Switch, where one person only partially moves away, allowing the pair to possibly co-front.
Head Mate
Another word for a fellow System or Group member.
*Also used: Group Mate, System Mate, Insider, Head People.
Head Space
The place where group members live when they are not at the Front. This can be a small area encompassing a single room or building, or it could be as large as an entire realm/dimension with a single planet or many planetary systems.
*Also used: Astral, Inner World, In-House, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality.
Healthy Multiple/Healthy Plural
The belief that Plurality is not a disorder that needs to be cured. A healthy group is one who functions well together, communicates, and takes responsibility for their actions.
See also: Empowered Multiple
Host Personality
Defined as the one who Fronts more than any of the others. Some groups do not have a host or core individual.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original personality, original self
See also: Core/Host
ICD-10
The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is a system used by physicians and other healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the United States. The code for Dissociative Identity Disorder is F44.81.
Inner Self Helper (ISH)
In therapy, this was known as the individual (a guardian or helper) who shares the most information. Their characteristics are: Knows all about history of patient and can predict short term future; talks intellectually instead of emotionally, carefully chooses precise words; and such things as believing in a higher purpose, etc. Apparently, every system has an "ISH" specially designed to fill the therapist's every whim. This term is used mostly in relation to DID.
Inner World
An inner world is a place where everyone within a group resides when they are not at the Front. The world may include one building or contain entire planets. Not every group has an inner world. Some have large and very elaborate inner worlds, some have smaller ones, and others have no inner world at all. Some say that an inner world is created from a person with a vivid imagination or from daydreams, or even as a form of astral travel.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality.
Insider
Another word for system members and others within a Plural group.
*Also used: Group Mate, System Mate, Head Mate, Head People
Integration
The ultimate goal of most DID/MPD therapy. Many therapists believe that by forcing individuals of a Plural group to merge together, the end result will be one happy original person. This works for some, but many groups have no desire to pursue this option in order to feel healthy. Integration may not even be possible for many groups.
Inter-System travel
The ability to travel from one group to another.
Intra-system relationship
When an individual has a relationship with another member within their own group.
In-world
To live or visit one's inner world.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Inner World, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality
Littles
A term used by some specifically for the younger people within a Plural group.
*Also used: Children, Kids, Kidlets, youngers, smalls, young people, child alters
Losing Time
Some Plurals talk of losing time; an event took place in which another does not recall. An hour passes, but there is no memory of what occurred. This can happen due to stress or even lack of communication and connections between others in a group. Losing time is also seen as a disordered symptom of being Plural.
Mapping
Mapping is often used in therapy as a way for a patient to understand themselves better. The patient is asked to draw a genealogical diagram or map of everyone in their group and what they believe their functions are. The problem with this is it can force someone to assign jobs to those in their group, making them feel like this job is all they exist for.
Meat Space
A term, originating from cyberpunk fiction and culture, Meat Space is the world outside of the 'net-- that is to say, the real (that is, not virtual) world, where you do things with your body in the world of flesh and blood rather than with your keyboard. The opposite of Cyberspace. Some Plurals use this term to refer to the world where the shared physical body resides.
*Also used: 3D, body's world, out here, physical world, real world, outer world
Median
According to Astraea, "Persons in a median system may be dependent upon a single individual (who may have created them at some point), and are unable to exist without that central person. Some people in a hosting situation might think of themselves as median. You might say something like "there are many of us, but we are really all Karen" or "aspects of Karen", etc. Various metaphors have been invoked by median systems to describe their experience, such as a stem with leaves, the spokes of a wheel, pages in a book, or a sun orbited by planets." (Not to be confused with a Medium, which is a person who can speak to or channel a ghost or spirit.)
*Also used: Mid-Continuum
Merge
Another word used with integration, meaning to join members together in some way so they become one entity.
*Also used: Integration, Fusion
Mid-Continuum
In between being Plural and non-Plural, or someone in the middle of the dissociative continuum. Some believe the difference between being Median and Mid-Continuum is that one is conscious of those in their group, and the other is not. Another possible difference between Median and Mid-Continuum is the former isn't specifically related to dissociation, while the latter is. It is debatable if there is a difference or if they are only different words for the same experience. This an older term and isn't used as often anymore.
Multiple/Multiplicity
A common word used to mean "more than one individual sharing a single, physical body". Many view Multiplicity not an illness or disorder that needs to be cured. It is often used interchangeably with Plurality.
*Also used: Plural, Plurality
Multiple Group/Plural Group
A Multiple Group or a Plural Group are another terminology for a System. "We aren't Plural, we're a Plural Group." Some Plurals also refer to themselves as "a group of Plurals and non-Plurals", meaning some in their group are Plural themselves, while others are not.
Also used: System, Collective
Multiple Personality Disorder
MPD. Another name for Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Muse
An artist's source of inspiration. This word has also been used by some to describe the 'voices' they may hear in their head. Not wishing to sound disordered or Plural in any way, the word Muse is an easier concept for some to accept.
Natural Multiples/Natural Plurals
A Natural Multiple or Plural is a group who feels their origins did not begin with trauma or abuse. Their body was born with the tendency to become more than one, without the intense need for survival from abuse. This does not mean such a group did not experience trauma at some point during their lives, it only means they do not attribute abuse as their origin.
Original Personality
Another word for the Core or Host of a group. The one to whom the body belongs. Not every group has an original or birth person among them.
*Also used: birth identity, core personality, birth person, original person, original self
See also: Core/Host, Host Personality
Other World
Another word for a different location group members live when not Fronting.
*Also used: Astral, Head Space, In-House, Inner World, Internal Landscape, Real World, Within, Realm, Dimension, Alternate Reality
Outer World
The Outer World is the world where the physical body resides. Some prefer to call it the Earth Realm.
*Also used: 3D, body's world, out here, physical world, real world, meat space
Paracosm
According to Wiki, "A paracosm is a detailed imaginary world created inside one's mind. This fantasy world may involve humans, animals, and things that exist in reality; or it may also contain entities that are entirely imaginary, alien, and otherwordly. Commonly having its own geography, history, and language, the experience of such a paracosm is often developed during childhood and continues over a long period of time: months or even years."
Parallel Systems
According to Astraea, "Two independently existing groups coexisting in one body, with or without knowledge of one another. A system experiencing parallel existence - one self existing in multiple timelines, each experiencing a different possibility, but aware of one another even if unable to enter into one another's timelines."
*Also used: Groups within Groups, Systems within Systems.
Partner Group
Partner groups are basically groups who have relationships or significant others between them. Travelling between groups and sharing realms doesn't have to be included.
Personality
Another word for to Alter, or other individuals who share the body. This is usually used with DID systems. Some groups find the word Personality and Alter to be insulting.
*Also used: Alter, ego state, part, aspect
Playing Singlet
Playing Singlet is when a Plural group behaves as a non-plural. This singlet identity is the person that most people think 'you' are. Plurals may do this around anyone who is unaware of Plurality. Some groups automatically default to behaving like a Singlet whenever they are not alone. For many, this is a necessity or a survival tactic. Since many Group members are quite different than the body's Singlet persona, pretending to be a non-Plural can leave them feeling as though they are being deceitful, since they are unable to tell others who they really are. It can be a cause of great stress, isolation and loneliness for many Plurals.
*Also used: Presenting self
Plural/Plurality
A common word used to mean "more than one individual sharing a single, physical body". Many view Plurality not an illness or disorder that needs to be cured. Plurality is the overall terminology which contains the entire Plural spectrum. It is often used interchangeably with Multiplicity.
*Also used: Multiple, Multiplicity
Possession
According to Astraea, Possession is "Control of the body by a person who comes from outside. May be voluntary, as in some religious ceremonies of Southeast Asia or the West Indies, or involuntary. In the 19th and early 20th century, mediums who let channeled spirits share their bodies, a form of voluntary possession, were referred to as having multiple personalities. Multiplicity has often been confused with possession, although the Catholic Church has strict criteria for distinguishing the two. Some Plurals believe in possession and some do not."
See also: Channeling
Presenting Self
Using a Singlet persona while in public or around other people in order to keep Plurality private.
*Also used: Playing Singlet
Protector Alter
For some, a protector alter has the role of making sure the system is safe.
Repressed memories
Memories that are locked deep inside the mind of someone and they are not able to access them. This term can be used in relation to a disordered System, or anyone suffering from severe abuse.
Singlet/Singleton/Singular
A single, individual mind using a single, physical body at all times with no other minds or souls present. Silhouettes think of themselves as many Singlets and Plurals sharing one body.
*Also used: Non-Multiples, Non-Plurals, Single-Minds
Smooshed
Fronting together and being unable to distinguish exactly who is present; or fronting together so closely, one's identity becomes temporarily merged. Sometimes stress causes this to occur.
*Also used: Blurring, Flooding, Integration
Splitting
The act of breaking yourself into more than one person or fragment. This is what most underlying messages of Multiple therapy involves; a single person who became more than one by splitting into many. It shouldn't be assumed that all Plural groups exist due to splitting.
Soft Switch
When one individual partially moves away from the body, allowing another individual to have a little more control. They may co-front together. This is also common with Medians who are more connected with one another and may not be able to move away completely (a Hard Switch).
Static Age
Static age is when an individual's outward appearance does not change with the passage of time. The individual could be locked within a particular event in their own history. Their own death, or a traumatic experience caused them to stop outward aging.
Survivor Multiple/Survivor Plural
A Plural system where one or more individuals in the group have survived abuse and/or trauma. Many Survivor Multiples claim the origins of their system to the abuse.
Switching
Switching is when there is a change in who controls the physical body, or who is Fronting. For some, the switch is barely noticeable on the outside, if at all.
System
Generally this word is used to describe a Plural group as a whole. This can include individuals-only, or individuals and the world where they live.
*Also used: Clan, Collective, Family, Gang, Group, Headmates, Headvoices, House, Household, Inners
System deaths
At times individuals can and do die within a group. This can be a permanent death or temporary.
Thought-creation
For some, the idea that the thoughts of individuals can result in the creation of another new individual isn't so difficult to imagine. This is different than actually giving birth, yet this newly thought-created person could be referred to as newly-born. Some Plural Groups have inner realms that are very dependent on the thoughts of those who live in it. Some might consider a Thought-Created Person the same as an In-sourced Soulbond or Tulpa. Some groups are able to manipulate their 'inner world' environment using thought.
*Also used: Thought Form
Trigger
A Trigger is a strong emotional reaction set off by words or images that reminds a person of a traumatic event. It can be caused by something that's been read or seen or heard which brings back a painful memory from their past, usually in the form of a flashback. A trigger in general can be something either positive or negative. Though usually people 'being triggered' in the Plural community are experiencing something negative.
Trigger Warning
Used to alert people when an internet post, book, article, picture, video, audio clip, or some other media could potentially cause extremely negative reactions (such as post-traumatic flashbacks or self-harm) due to its content. Sometimes abbreviated as "TW."
World Sliding
A term meaning "the ability to travel to multiple worlds or dimensions". Possibly, but not always, used more in relation to Gateways. Silhouettes refer to this as "Strand-hopping".
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