Plurality and Multiplicity of Systemhood

​By Merc

If you’re here, you probably don’t know much about plurality or multiplicity. I’m really proud of you for coming this far in your research, whether it’s to learn more, support someone, or support yourself. Learning isn’t always easy, but it’s something we’ve gotta do. 

Plurality / Multiplicity is defined by google as “the psychological phenomenon in which a body can display multiple distinct personas,” while other places define it as “the state of having multiple headmates collectively sharing a single body. A group of headmates is called a system,” and “someone who shares the same physical body with other individuals.” 

So to summarize these different definitions, plurality / multiplicity is a category some fall into. These people, more colloquially known as systems, are known for sharing one body / vessel, but having more than one person in them. 

What used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder is now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder, which is probably something you’re more familiar with. However, not all systems identify with this disorder, or any of the Otherwise Specified Dissociative Disorders, as their systems aren’t inherently disordered. Systems suggest more than one person in one body, different “alters” or “headmates” or otherwise known terms about these different people, but does not automatically entail there is amnesia, that this hurts day-to-day life, and other things that show that being a system makes someone’s life harder. 

For many, being a system makes life easier, as can be seen with the Kaleidoscope system–us! 

Being a system helps us better understand the emotions we go through, allowing us to sit down and talk things out. It allows us to take the marathon that is life as a relay race–that not one person has to run the whole marathon but that we can take turns. It’s also worth mentioning that it helps soothe loneliness, as you have more company! 

There are lots of terms used to refer to those within a system that can make things confusing. Alters, headmates, introjects, factives, fictives, whatever term used by a relative system mate, is theirs to say. What is most important is understanding that no matter what shape or form these system mates take doesn’t make them any more or less important than the other. Regardless of what role they play in the system, who fronts the most, what type of being they are, etc., they are worthy of space to exist. 

It can be hard adjusting to this whole new world that may exist in or with someone you may already know–and that’s alright. What’s important is that you take it at their pace. Don’t be afraid to research things, and if the system you are talking to is comfortable with it, know that it’s okay to ask questions. 

It’s okay to learn. But we must remember to listen to systems, listen to their experiences, and be open to understanding what it means for your relationship with this or these systems. It’s alright to feel whatever you feel, but know that these systems are probably just as at a loss as you are! So support one another. That’s always the least we can do. 

Keep your head up, the sun still rises. 
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