Yes, it is possible to have an alter in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) who doesn't front or take control of the person's behavior. In DID, the term "fronting" refers to an alter taking over the individual's consciousness and controlling their actions and behaviors.
The alters in DID can have different roles, functions, and levels of involvement in the person's life. While some alters may take on primary roles and interact with the outside world (i.e., front), others may remain in the background, sometimes referred to as "introjects" or "observers."
Alters that do not front might have various functions, such as:
Observers: These alters may not actively participate in the person's life but may have the role of watching or observing what happens. They may hold memories or knowledge about the person's experiences but do not take direct control.
Protectors: Some alters may be primarily focused on protecting the person from trauma or distressing situations. They may remain in the internal world and come forward when the individual faces threats or triggers.
Holders: These alters may "hold" traumatic memories, emotions, or aspects of the person's experiences, keeping them separate from the awareness of other alters or the host personality.
Introjects: An introject is an alter that incorporates characteristics, traits, or memories of a specific person from the external world (such as a family member, caregiver, or abuser). They might hold the memories or emotions associated with that external figure without fronting.
The internal system in DID can be highly complex, and not all alters have the same level of involvement or awareness of each other. Some alters may be more hidden, while others may be more active and interact with the outside world.
The understanding and exploration of alters and their roles are critical aspects of therapy for individuals with DID. A skilled mental health professional, often a trauma-informed therapist experienced in working with dissociative disorders, can help individuals navigate their internal experiences, establish communication between alters, and work towards integration and healing.