Thigpen & Cleckley Flashcards
Method, procedure & controls
. Case study consisted of interviews with the patient and her family, hypnosis, observations, EEG tests and a number of psychometric and projective tests e.g. Memory tests, ink blot tests and intelligence tests
. The patient (Eve White) had been referred to due severe and blinding headaches
. A letter from Eve White appeared at the therapists office. It concerned her therapy and was written in her usual handwriting but at the bottom of page there was a paragraph written in childlike handwriting
. On next visit Eve White denied sending the letter, but recalled starting one but never finished it
. Eve White who is normally self controlled became distressed and asked whether hearing an occasional imaginary voice made her insane
. Now Eve Black made first appearance to therapists
. During approx 100hours of interviews extensive material was obtained about behaviours of Eve White and Eve Black
Background & aim
. Case study on a woman who allegedly had three different personalities
. Aim of case study was to provide an account of the treatment of a 25yr old woman who was referred to thigpen and cleckley because of ‘severe and blinding headaches’
Results
. EB - characterised by irresponsibility and shallowly hedonistic desire for excitement and pleasure
. EW - sensible, serious and distressed
. EW - IQ= 110
. EB - IQ= 104
. Projective tests: EW had a repressive personality
EB had a more regressive personality
. EEG: EW and Jane shown to have similar EEG readings = 11 cycles per sec. EB reading of 12.5 cycles per sec.
Conclusions and implications
. Concluded that if Jane could take possession of the personalities the patient would regain full health.
. Jane had awareness of both Eves’ thoughts and behaviour but not complete access to their memories.
. Jane had learnt to take over many of Eve Whites tasks at home and at work
. However Jane had not found a way to displace EB or to communicate through her
