In Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), new alters can be created through a process called "splitting." Splitting occurs as a coping mechanism in response to severe and ongoing trauma, especially during childhood. When a person faces overwhelming and repeated trauma that they cannot integrate into their sense of self, their mind may dissociate, creating a divide or separation between different aspects of their identity.
This dissociative process can lead to the formation of distinct personality states or alters, each with its own set of thoughts, emotions, memories, and behaviors. These alters may have different ages, genders, and identities, and they may take on various roles as a way to cope with specific aspects of the trauma or to protect the individual from further harm.
The creation of new alters is not random; it is a response to the person's experiences and the need for psychological survival and adaptation in the face of overwhelming stress or abuse. The dissociative process that gives rise to new alters is a complex and adaptive mechanism that allows the person to compartmentalize their experiences, emotions, and memories as a way to endure the trauma.
While the creation of alters is not random, it is important to understand that the experience of DID is highly individualized, and the way the disorder manifests can vary from person to person. The underlying causes and mechanisms behind DID are still a subject of ongoing research and study within the field of psychology and psychiatry.