About Endogenic Systems
About Endogenic Systems
Yes, endogenic systems are valid. An endogenic system is one where the
individuals within the system are not formed or created through trauma, but
rather are the result of natural or voluntary processes. In other words, the
system members (often referred to as "alters" or "personas") emerge due to the
individual’s internal processes, preferences, or needs, rather than as a response
to trauma.
The legitimacy of endogenic systems has been a point of debate, especially
because trauma-based systems (such as those seen in dissociative identity
disorder, DID) are more widely recognized in clinical settings and the public
consciousness. However, endogenic systems are just as valid as trauma-based
systems because:
1. Multiplicity and Identity Are Diverse Experiences
The human psyche is complex, and different people experience their identities in
different ways. Some people may experience different parts of themselves as
distinct, with individual personalities or roles that emerge over time. This can
happen without trauma and is simply a natural expression of the diversity within
one's self-concept.
2. Self-Creation and Volition
For endogenic systems, the formation of different aspects of identity can happen
voluntarily or for reasons such as creativity, personal growth, or practical
organization. These systems can arise as a way of managing different roles or
parts of the self (e.g., handling different tasks, navigating different aspects of
life). The fact that a system’s formation is not trauma-based does not make it
any less authentic or valid.
3. Recognizing the Spectrum of Mental Health
Mental health experiences are not monolithic. Just as some people experience
mental health in ways that involve trauma, others may experience it in more
developmental, non-traumatic ways. Similarly, the existence of multiplicity
doesn’t have to be tied to distress or trauma. People can form systems for
various reasons, and this should be recognized as valid, even if it doesn’t fit
traditional medical or psychological paradigms.
4. Community and Peer Validation
Within the plural and multiplicity communities, there is increasing recognition of
endogenic systems as valid experiences. Many people who identify as part of an
endogenic system report feeling just as "real" and cohesive in their experience
as those who identify as trauma-based systems. Recognition and validation from
peers within these communities provide important support in legitimizing diverse
experiences.
5. Personal Agency and Identity Development
Endogenic systems might be a way in which people organize or experience their
identity for various personal reasons, such as wanting to express different parts
of themselves in distinct ways. Some systems even create personas or alters for
purposes of self-exploration or self-empowerment, and this process is just as
valid as any other form of self-development.
Why Some People Still Question Their Validity
Despite the validity of endogenic systems, some people might still question them
because:
Cultural Biases: Trauma-based narratives are more entrenched in public
consciousness and clinical psychology, making it harder for some to
accept non-trauma-based multiplicity.
Lack of Scientific Understanding: Mental health science is still
exploring and defining experiences like multiplicity, and there is not
universal consensus on what constitutes "legitimate" or "real" multiplicity.
Misunderstanding of Plurality: Many people don’t fully understand or
are unfamiliar with the concept of endogenic systems, which can lead to
dismissive or invalidating views.
Conclusion:
In short, endogenic systems are just as valid as trauma-based systems.
Everyone’s experience of identity, multiplicity, or dissociation is personal and
unique, and different people will have different ways of experiencing and
expressing those aspects of themselves. Just because a system isn’t trauma-
based doesn’t invalidate it or make it any less "real." It’s essential to recognize
the diversity of experiences that exist and respect people’s personal and self-
defined identities.