The plural self

"With the emergence of postmodern thinking, the notion of a unified, singular `self' appears increasingly problematic. Yet for many, postmodernism's proclamation of `the death of the subject' is equally problematic. Can we find a way out of this dilemma? The Plural Self suggests we can. As a response to the postmodern dilemma there has been a rapid rise of interest in pluralistic models of the `self' in which the person is conceptualized as a multiplicity of subpersonalities, as a plurality of existential possibilities, or as a `being' which is inextricably in-dialogue-with-others. Combining the fluidity of a postmodernist perspective with the human concerns of a romantic one, self-pluralistic thinking promises to be a major new approach to personality in the 21st century. Bringing together many disciplines, and with contributions from the foremost writers on self-pluralism, The Plural Self provides a definitive overview and a detailed, critical exploration of this emerging field. Drawing together theory, research and practice, the book expands on both the psychological and philosophical theories underlying, and associated with, self-pluralism, and presents empirical evidence in support of the self-pluralistic perspective, exploring its application within a clinical and therapeutic setting. Building up a unique understanding of multiplicity in everyday life, this book is both an original contribution to the development of knowledge and an essential sourcebook for a burgeoning field. It will be an invaluable resource for academics and students working in social, humanistic or clinical psychology and for those working in the field of personality. It will also be highly relevant for therapists, counsellors and clinicians who want to develop new skills and techniques to incorporate into their existing practice." -- Publisher's information.