Childhood trauma, imaginary companions, and the development of pathological dissociation

Dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), are thought to develop in response to overwhelming trauma experienced in early childhood. Although viewed as originating in childhood, DID is most often not identified and treated until adulthood. This is concerning, as clinicians assert that prognosis is better when DID is diagnosed and treated at a younger age. It is important to identify potential early markers of pathological dissociation. One avenue of research has noted a much higher incidence of imaginary companions (ICs) in those who develop dissociative disorders than in normative samples. In the normative literature, ICs are considered common in normal development, aiding the child in developmental tasks in a transitory, compensatory manner. Few studies to date have attempted to compare and contrast the phenomenon of ICs in normative versus dissociative populations, although such research may reveal clues to identifying pathological dissociation at a younger age. This paper discusses the phenomenon of ICs, development of pathological dissociation, and what can be concluded from existing research. Suggestions for future research follow.