Yes, it is possible for a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) to have an alter who displays narcissistic traits or behaviors. In DID, different alters can have distinct personalities, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. This includes the possibility of alters with varying personality styles, including some that might exhibit narcissistic tendencies.
It's important to note that not every person with DID will have an alter with narcissistic traits, and the presence of such an alter does not imply that the individual with DID is a narcissist. Alters are separate identities within the same person, and they can vary greatly in their characteristics and behaviors.
The development of alters with different traits and roles in a DID system is often a result of coping mechanisms that formed in response to trauma or adverse experiences during childhood. These different alters may have emerged as a way to protect the person from overwhelming emotions or to handle specific situations that were too distressing for the primary identity (host) to manage.
Narcissistic traits in an alter could be a manifestation of the way that particular alter coped with or responded to the traumatic experiences that led to the formation of DID. Like any aspect of DID, it is essential to approach each alter with understanding and compassion, recognizing that they serve a purpose within the system, even if their behaviors can be challenging or problematic at times.
Therapy is crucial for individuals with DID to explore and understand the various alters, their origins, and how they interact with each other. A skilled therapist, experienced in working with dissociative disorders, can help the person develop coping strategies, communication skills among alters, and work towards internal cooperation and healing.