Split Movie Psychology Analysis

“Split” is a psychological thriller movie that came out in 2016. It tells the story of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 different personalities living inside his mind. The movie follows Kevin as he kidnaps three teenage girls, and we watch as his various personalities take turns controlling his actions.

But “Split” isn’t just a thrilling story – it’s also a window into the complex world of mental health and psychology. By watching Kevin’s struggle with his multiple personalities, we can learn a lot about how the human mind works, especially when it’s under extreme stress or dealing with trauma.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the psychology behind “Split.” We’ll explore the real-life condition that inspired the movie, look at how trauma affects the mind, and examine the different personalities we see in the film. Along the way, we’ll separate fact from fiction and gain a better understanding of the human mind’s incredible complexity.

Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

What is DID?

Dissociative Identity Disorder, or DID for short, is the real-life condition that inspired Kevin’s character in “Split.” In the past, people used to call it “multiple personality disorder.” DID is a complex mental health condition where a person has two or more distinct personalities or identities. These different identities can have their own names, voices, behaviors, and even memories.

How DID Develops

DID usually develops as a way for the mind to cope with severe trauma, especially trauma that happens in childhood. When a child experiences something too painful or scary to handle, their mind might split off different parts of their personality as a way to protect itself. It’s like the mind is saying, “This is too much for one person to bear, so I’ll create other ‘people’ to help carry the burden.”

DID in Real Life vs. “Split”

It’s important to note that while “Split” is based on DID, it’s not an accurate representation of how the condition really works. In real life, people with DID don’t usually have such dramatically different personalities, and they certainly don’t develop superhuman abilities like Kevin does in the movie. The film takes a lot of creative liberties for the sake of telling an exciting story.

Real-life DID is much more subtle. A person might shift between different “alters” (that’s what psychologists call the different personalities) without anyone noticing. Each alter might have its own way of talking, dressing, or behaving, but these changes are usually not as extreme as what we see in “Split.”

The Psychology of Kevin’s Personalities

The Host: Kevin Wendell Crumb

In the movie, we learn that Kevin is the “original” personality, also known as the host. Kevin developed DID as a way to cope with the abuse he suffered as a child. His mind created other personalities to protect him from the pain and fear he was experiencing.

In real life, the host personality is often unaware of the other alters. They might experience gaps in their memory or find themselves in situations they don’t remember getting into. This is similar to how Kevin in the movie doesn’t always know what his other personalities have been doing.

The Protector: Dennis

Dennis is one of Kevin’s strongest personalities. He’s stern, orderly, and obsessed with cleanliness. In the context of DID, Dennis would be considered a protector alter. Protector alters often develop to keep the person safe from perceived threats.

Dennis’s obsession with cleanliness and order might be a way of trying to control his environment and keep it “safe.” His strength and assertiveness could be the mind’s way of creating a personality that can stand up to threats and protect the more vulnerable parts of Kevin’s psyche.

The Maternal Figure: Patricia

Patricia is another prominent personality in the movie. She’s portrayed as a proper, maternal figure who tries to keep the other alters in line. In real-life DID, it’s common to have alters of different genders, ages, and personalities.

Patricia might represent Kevin’s need for a caring, maternal presence in his life – something he likely didn’t have as a child due to his abusive mother. By creating Patricia, Kevin’s mind gave him a source of comfort and guidance, even if it’s coming from within himself.

The Child: Hedwig

Hedwig is a 9-year-old boy personality. Child alters are common in DID and often represent the age at which the person experienced significant trauma. Hedwig’s presence suggests that Kevin might have endured severe abuse around the age of 9.

Hedwig’s childlike innocence and playfulness might be Kevin’s mind’s way of preserving some of the joy and wonder of childhood that was stolen from him. At the same time, Hedwig’s naivety and tendency to be easily manipulated by the other alters could reflect Kevin’s vulnerability as a child.

The Beast: The Embodiment of Trauma

The Beast is the 24th personality that emerges in the movie. Unlike the others, the Beast has superhuman abilities and a mission to “cleanse” the world of the “impure” – those who haven’t suffered. While this is purely fictional, the concept of a powerful, vengeful alter emerging from trauma is psychologically interesting.

The Beast could be seen as a manifestation of all the anger, pain, and desire for revenge that Kevin has bottled up over the years. It represents the part of him that wants to lash out at the world that hurt him so badly.

Trauma and Its Impact on the Mind

The Role of Childhood Trauma

In “Split,” we learn that Kevin’s DID developed as a result of severe abuse from his mother. This aligns with what we know about real-life DID, which is often linked to childhood trauma. Trauma during childhood can have a profound impact on brain development and mental health.

When a child experiences ongoing abuse or neglect, their developing brain adapts to survive in that hostile environment. This can lead to changes in how the brain processes emotions, handles stress, and even how it organizes memories and sense of self.

Coping Mechanisms and Dissociation

Dissociation, which is at the core of DID, is actually a common response to trauma. When faced with overwhelming fear or pain, the mind might “disconnect” from the experience as a way of protecting itself. It’s like the brain is saying, “This isn’t happening to me, I’m not really here.”

In most cases, this dissociation is temporary. But in severe cases, like with DID, the dissociation becomes a long-term coping strategy. The mind creates separate identities to handle different aspects of life or to contain traumatic memories.

The Concept of “Splitting”

The title “Split” refers not just to the multiple personalities, but also to a psychological concept called “splitting.” This is when a person views things in extreme, black-and-white terms. People or situations are seen as all good or all bad, with no middle ground.

In the movie, we see this in how the Beast views people as either “pure” (those who have suffered) or “impure” (those who haven’t). This kind of thinking can be a result of trauma, where the world comes to be seen as either completely safe or completely dangerous.

The Portrayal of Mental Health in Media

The Good: Raising Awareness

Movies like “Split” can help bring attention to mental health issues that many people might not know about. Before “Split,” many people had never heard of DID. While the movie’s portrayal isn’t entirely accurate, it at least got people talking about the condition.

The Bad: Stigmatization and Misconceptions

Unfortunately, “Split” also reinforces some harmful stereotypes about mental illness. It portrays someone with DID as dangerous and unpredictable, which isn’t true for the vast majority of people with the condition. This kind of portrayal can increase stigma and make it harder for people with mental health issues to seek help.

The Importance of Responsible Representation

It’s crucial for filmmakers and media creators to balance entertainment with responsible representation. While movies don’t need to be 100% scientifically accurate, they should strive not to spread harmful misinformation or stereotypes about mental health conditions.

The Psychology of the Captives

Stockholm Syndrome: Fact or Fiction?

In “Split,” we see Casey, one of the kidnapped girls, develop a kind of understanding with some of Kevin’s alters, particularly Hedwig. Some might see this as a form of Stockholm Syndrome, where captives develop positive feelings towards their captors.

However, the concept of Stockholm Syndrome is controversial in psychology. What we see in the movie is more likely a survival strategy. Casey uses her understanding of Kevin’s condition to try to manipulate the situation and escape.

Trauma Bonds and Shared Experiences

We learn that Casey has her own history of abuse, which allows her to relate to Kevin’s trauma in a way the other girls can’t. This shared experience of trauma creates a kind of bond between them, even though they’re in a captor-captive situation.

This portrayal touches on the real psychological phenomenon of trauma bonds. People who have experienced similar traumas can sometimes feel a deep connection, even if their current relationship is unhealthy or dangerous.

The Symbolism in “Split”

The Zoo: A Metaphor for Confinement

Much of the movie takes place in underground rooms at a zoo. This setting serves as a powerful metaphor. Just as the animals in the zoo are confined, Kevin is confined by his mental illness, and the girls are confined by their captivity.

The zoo also represents the idea of different “species” coexisting, much like Kevin’s different personalities coexist within his mind.

Light and Dark: The Duality of Human Nature

The movie makes heavy use of light and dark imagery. The underground rooms are often dimly lit, representing the dark aspects of Kevin’s psyche and the girls’ dire situation. Moments of hope or clarity are often accompanied by brighter lighting.

This play of light and dark symbolizes the duality of human nature – the capacity for both good and evil that exists within all of us, but is particularly pronounced in Kevin’s fractured psyche.

The Glass: Fragility and Reflection

Glass is a recurring motif in the movie. It represents both fragility (Kevin’s fragile mental state) and reflection (the way Kevin’s different personalities reflect different aspects of his psyche).

The glass also serves as a barrier – between Kevin and the outside world, between his different personalities, and between the captives and freedom.

The Psychology of the Audience

Why We’re Fascinated by Multiple Personalities

Stories about multiple personalities have long captivated audiences. There’s something inherently fascinating about the idea of one body housing many minds. It taps into our curiosity about the complexity of human consciousness and our fear of losing control of our own minds.

The Appeal of Psychological Thrillers

Psychological thrillers like “Split” are popular because they engage our minds as well as our emotions. They make us think, analyze, and try to solve puzzles along with the characters. This mental engagement can be deeply satisfying for many viewers.

Empathy and Understanding

Despite its flaws, “Split” can foster empathy and understanding for people struggling with mental health issues. By spending time with Kevin and seeing the world through his eyes (or the eyes of his alters), viewers might develop a more nuanced understanding of how trauma can impact a person’s mind.

Lessons from “Split”: Understanding Our Own Minds

Recognizing Our Own “Alters”

While most of us don’t have distinct alternate personalities, we all have different aspects to our personalities. We might act one way with our friends, another with our family, and yet another at work. Recognizing these different “sides” of ourselves can help us understand our own complexity.

The Power of the Mind

“Split” showcases the incredible power of the human mind – both its ability to create elaborate defense mechanisms and its potential for healing. While the movie exaggerates these abilities for dramatic effect, it reminds us of the mind’s remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Perhaps the most important takeaway from “Split” is the need for greater mental health awareness and support. The movie, despite its flaws, opens up conversations about trauma, dissociation, and the long-term effects of abuse. These are crucial discussions that our society needs to have more openly.

Conclusion: Beyond the Split

“Split” is more than just a thrilling movie – it’s a complex exploration of the human mind, trauma, and identity. While it takes many creative liberties with its portrayal of DID, it offers viewers a chance to think deeply about psychology, mental health, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult life.

As we’ve explored in this analysis, the movie touches on many fascinating psychological concepts – from the development of alternate personalities as a coping mechanism, to the long-term effects of trauma, to the symbolism of confinement and duality.

However, it’s crucial to remember that “Split” is ultimately a work of fiction. Real-life mental health conditions are far more nuanced and less sensationalized than what we see on screen. The movie should serve as a starting point for discussions and further learning about psychology and mental health, not as a definitive representation of DID or any other condition.

By engaging critically with media like “Split,” we can entertain ourselves while also deepening our understanding of the human mind. We can use these stories as springboards for empathy, awareness, and a greater appreciation of the complexity of human psychology.

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FAQs About “Split” and Psychology

1. Q: Is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) real? A: Yes, DID is a recognized mental health condition. However, it’s much rarer and less dramatic than portrayed in “Split.”
2. Q: Can people with DID really have superhuman abilities like in the movie? A: No, the superhuman abilities shown in “Split” are purely fictional. People with DID do not develop special powers.
3. Q: Is it possible to have as many personalities as Kevin does in the movie? A: While it’s theoretically possible, having 23 distinct personalities is extremely rare. Most people diagnosed with DID have fewer alters.
4. Q: Does everyone who experiences trauma develop DID? A: No, DID is a rare response to severe, ongoing trauma. Many people who experience trauma develop other conditions like PTSD, or may not develop a mental health condition at all.
5. Q: Can DID be treated? A: Yes, DID can be treated with long-term psychotherapy. The goal is usually to integrate the different alters or to help the person function better, rather than to “cure” the condition.
6. Q: Are people with DID dangerous? A: Generally, no. The portrayal of Kevin as dangerous in “Split” is not representative of most people with DID. They are no more likely to be violent than the general population.
7. Q: Is it possible to fake DID? A: While it’s possible for someone to pretend to have multiple personalities, true DID is not something that can be consciously faked. It’s a complex condition with specific diagnostic criteria.
8. Q: Does everyone with DID know they have it? A: Not always. Many people with DID experience memory gaps or confusion about their identity, but may not realize they have distinct alternate personalities until they’re diagnosed.
9. Q: Can trauma really change a person’s brain? A: Yes, severe or chronic trauma, especially in childhood, can lead to changes in brain structure and function. This is an area of ongoing research in neuroscience and psychology.
10. Q: Is the concept of “splitting” in psychology related to DID? A: While they share a similar name, “splitting” in psychology (seeing things in black and white terms) is different from the “split” personalities in DID. However, both can be related to trauma responses.