Worser ability to remember things that had happened
Post on how to handle these kinds of amnesia: click here!
Generalized Amnesia
Where a person completely forgets everything about themself and have no recollection of what, where, and who they spoke to. This can describe a blackout switch and may still recognize who they are.
Localized Amnesia
Where a person is unable to recall a specific/series of event from the whole, which creates an incomplete picture of the situation. For example, remembering childhood but not the abuse.
Selective Amnesia
Where a person only lost some and retain the rest, forgetting parts yet not all of them. This can describe greyouts as it grasps some information/sensory yet not enough to tell what exactly happened. One example is playing the phone and unable to recall what occured, only to jump its memory right to being at bed.
Emotional Amnesia
Where a person has an intact memory and it's details on what had happened, but do not remember what the event feels like (e.g. was scared, happy, etc.). One description is that you're watching something that didn't happen to you, because you don't feel like being in the scene itself.
Continuous Amnesia
Where a person fails to retain full parts of the event/day, for a set period of time (can vary from minutes to days) and create an accumulative, small bits of selective amnesias, continuously, leaving many gaps in a chronological timeline. This usually happens in times or stress, or abuse.
Fragmented Amnesia
Where a person has an unrelated, and/or disjointed memories that does not go with the timeline's order, creating confusion and difficult to grasp the cohesive picture of what truly happened. Emotional amnesia may be present in this type.
Bonus for systems:
Amnesia barriers
Where a person fronting is not able to recall other alter's memories, which is a form of retrograde amnesia and compartmentalization. Because the fronter will only retain any information before switching out with the next one, the rest experiences anterograde amnesia as it cannot form and remember those memories, unless being coconcious or cofronting (even though, this is not always guaranteed).
Take notes that amnesia can still happen outside system things due to comorbidities like anxiety disorders or depression, this does mean systems are bound to experience more amnesia compared to non-systems folks out there.
Do you have any discussions about this? Or would like to describe your own way of seeing these different types of amnesia? Or have more to add? Feel free to tell them here!
Heres a reminder for you that being dissociated isn't limited to the common misconception where you are frozen in place, incapable of doing anything or even thinking, or experiencing a significant time gap,, those things. (This is a very important post, read till bottom so im happy!)
And while its hard to spot the milder signs when you're dissociating, don't worry i got you covered by bringing awareness, im showing what those signs could look like:
Dazing/blanking out several times
Hands looking weird (depersonalization)
Surroundings also looking weird (derealization)
Feeling detached emotionally, physically, or both
Light-headedness
Less reactive in responding
Forget things more often
Unable to focus or keep concentration straight
And many more..!
When you have multiple of those signs at once, then chances are you are dissociating (extra note that it can also co-occur with derealization/depersonalization). While it can be caused by various factors, i would like to add that it may or may not get worse as time passes and no one wants that thing to snowball until it got too bad (remember, preventing now is better than dealing later) so having a few tips would help:
Grounding (sensory): listening to music, feeling different textures, paying attention to things in your surroundings, trying different fragrant or scents, have some snacks to occupy your senses
Grounding (physically): feel your chest as you breathe, get your body moving to redirect focus, splash some cold water, hold something you can squeeze (such as a stress ball)
Practice being mindful. As it can help you re-anchor back to reality faster, regulate better, building more resilience, increasing awareness of oneself's state
Sometimes we go do our day without giving a thought that were detached from reality, usually by going autopilot and scrolling through social medias without being aware (well, atleast for me) and forget lots of things while being dysregulated at the end. So by being aware of the mild signs and incorporating grounding skills im sure memory gaps and those funny aftermath stuffs won't be a problem anymore, have a good day peeps.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that another sign is your hearing feels muffled, that you can hear sounds feel more distant despite close, i thought it could be grouped with the “less reactive” before.
EDIT 2: It is true that sometimes these techniques will not work,, so it's recommended to create a peaceful environment in hopes of going away sooner when waiting it out. grab some videos to watch, put some of your favorite musics or cuddle your soft pillows (if any, pets) and stay comfy! Do not stress about it because it'll be counterproductive. Full explanation at here.
Ever noticed how every system's amnesia, overtness, or co-consciousness is unique? Have you wondered why your collective operates so differently from others?
If so, let's talk about the different types of consciousness within the CDD community. Not only we'll explore these labels, but to help you find the one that fits and understand the tangible science behind it all as well.
This post is packed with new insights and i will guide you from the start to finish!
TLDR: Available
There's other Types of Consciousness?!
*dragged my chair closer to you*
You're asking the right questions--and yes, despite not being concluded as established terms, the idea of different types of awareness has been acknowledged in clinical and scientific research..!
Although not a common routine, this concept has been used during hospital care, a model named IIT (Integrated Information Theory). This framework helps doctors gauge and asses a patient's state of consciousness or cases like brain injury. We'll only briefly touch on that, since our main focus will be on another cognitive model, called the GNW (Global Neuronal Workspace) and how it relates to the labels such as "monoconscious" and "polyconscious" in our community.
What does GNW prove?
This model proposes a thesis that consciousness is experienced through multiple parts of the brain that are interconnected with each other. These parts include specialized processors for functions like memory, sensory input, and goals/values.
But if consciousness is made up of many parts, how would it be possible to have multiple conscious experience? This quote explains it:
[a second computational space is composed of widely distributed excitatory neurons (called GNW neurons) with long-range axons, forming reciprocally connected tracts able to “selectively mobilize or suppress, through descending connections, the contribution of specific processor neurons.”] - from PubMed
In simpler terms, it acts like an on-off switch, allowing the brain to command what traits are active or suppressed, and is considered half the equation for understanding how switching works in dissociative disorders.
And, About the Labels?
There's many kinds of labels out there, so we'll go through five most commonly used ones together!
Quick note, these labels are not clinically established terms and serves as a social term and a personalized touch for self-identification. Everyone can have it's own subjective definitions or impressions. It is also up to anyone to agree, disagree, use, or not use these CDD labels. While there is no precise origin, it circulates around social platforms/communities in the internet.
Polyconsciousness:
Each part or alter has its own independent stream of consciousness, meaning they can think, feel, and perceive separately from one another. These streams of consciousness can run concurrently, allowing for multiple perspectives and experiences to coexist.
Multiple parts can be simultaneously aware and active. They can each have their own experiences without necessarily blending and maintains its distinct personality, memories, or sense of self.
This type of system often need a high level of internal coordination to manage the multiple alters effectively. It can involve establishing internal communication strategies, agreements on who fronts or takes control, and methods for sharing or dividing tasks.
--
Cephaloconscious:
A system where a certain headmate has a central role in the system. This part has a awareness of the other parts/alters and their activities. Being the central one, they have the best internal communication among others and act as a mediator.
Other parts/alters may have their own independent awareness and experiences but usually relies on the central part for major decisions.
The central part has a role in coordinating the actions, thoughts, and behaviors of others, creating organized functioning in the system. This level of coordination makes tasks, decisions, and social interactions easier.
Effective internal communication is the main feature for this system. The central alter often facilitates dialogue between parts, helping to resolve conflicts and share information.
--
Monoconscious:
Only one part is conscious and in control at any given moment. The other parts are not aware of the ongoing events when they are not active, when someone's fronting, the rest become 'offline' or 'dormant'.
Switching can be sudden or gradual, and the part who takes over next will have its own distinct set of memories, thought, as well as behaviors. Differences between parts can be pronounced, with each having unique traits, preferences, and ways of interacting with the world.
Because only one part is conscious at a time, there are often memory gaps or amnesia between parts. When a switch occurs, the new fronting part may have little or no memory of what happened while another part was in control. These gap can pose a challenge in daily life.
This type of system lacks internal communication and often relies on written notes, recordings, or other forms of indirect communication to coordinate with each other.
--
Misaconscious:
Parts in this system are aware of each other’s existence and can perceive what the others are doing or experiencing to some extent. But despite this awareness, parts cannot directly communicate or interact with each other. They cannot engage in conversations or share detailed information with one another.
Each part has its own distinct experiences, memories, and emotions, but these are interconnected through mutual awareness. Anyone may influence each other indirectly, like emotions as one example.
Information may be shared indirectly or in fragments, this can result in incomplete understanding and gaps in the collective memory and knowledge of the system.
--
Hydraconscious:
Multiple parts/alters are conscious and aware at the same time. They can each have their own thoughts, emotions, and perceptions while coexisting within the same body, creating a more integrated experience, where different parts can share their own perspectives/insights.
Fronting or control are fluid between alters, one part may take the lead, while at other times, control may be shared or dynamically adjusted based on the situation. Influence over thoughts and emotions can also be fluid.
Parts in this system often have good internal communication, allowing them to share information, coordinate actions, and resolve conflicts more effectively. Internal communication can be verbal or telepathic. There is high levels of cooperation and integration among others, they work by supporting each other and make use of everyone's strength.
Lastly, roles inside the system can look flexible. Different parts may take on various roles based on their strengths, preferences, or needs.
How does That make Sense?
Each labels may look theoretical or nonsensical on the surface, but they can be explained deeper with neuroscientific mechanisms, NLP, GNW, and a small touch with IIT.
From GNW's outlook:
First, although this is something that everyone experiences, what makes the distinction of parts in systems is existence and the intensity of dissociation.
Second, we have the role of ignition and exclusion. GNW proposes a process called ignition, which is a "sudden, coherent, and exclusive activation" set of neurons that corresponds to the stimulus at that moment. And exclusivity is achieved from inhibition--it ensures a single stream of awareness, preventing multiple competing thoughts.
Third and last, to overcome the current awareness, other signals must be stronger and overcome the inhibition of neural networks, which cause reignition, and suppresses everything else to maintain a new, clear state of consciousness.
One example in monoconscious systems, the inhibition works perfectly because it filters everything out and only allows one part to dominate and explains the absence of different thoughts or influences from other alters. Another example taken from polyconscious systems, dissociation still exists that creates clear separation from others, but the inhibitory mechanisms are not as prominent when compared to monoconsciousness, this creates the ability to have multiple parts in co-conscious, capable of competing or influence the fronting facet themself.
In short, GNW gives an answer on how the prefrontal cortex, specifically called bayesian inference, controls how awareness is directed, relying on top-down processing (mental and cognitive state) and bottom-up processing (the five senses) to control which neurons get ignited and suppressed, explaining how front and switching may work.
From NLP's outlook:
In neural linguistic programming, there are two things that stood out: Schema and Priming.
For short, schema is a mental framework of pre-conceived ideas. This is what mobilize or activates behaviors or memories that were associated by specific triggers or stimulus.
Priming, on the other hand, is where exposure to a stimulus influences another stimulus unconsciously, forming a pattern or connections. You gain schemas from being primed, and priming comes from the external environment or circle you live in.
This points to how dissociated selves were gradually shaped, creating and able to recall its own subsets of behaviors, perspective, and personalities, in an organized and compartmentalized manner.
From IIT's outlook:
A really interesting model mathematical model that calculates consciousness, called the integrative information theory, proposes a value named Phi. Thankfully we don't need to involve the numbers, just the theoretical model. Phew.
Before we get into the main point, let's make it clear that our brain is made up of many interconnected neurons, thalamocortical loops explains how the thalamus and the cerebral cortex cooperate to generate cognitive functions such as utilizing physical senses, creating attention and memory, as well as controlling motor coordination.
Now, the brain inherently have a high value of phi, which means it is irreducible and cannot be easily partitioned. This is because of how countless of neurons are dependent with each other from different brain regions, and the function cannot be explained by individual parts compared to, say, a thermostat, which has a low value of phi.
To practically lay it out: in a non-dissociated brain of a person with various neural networks made up of memories, emotions, and schemas, are all working together as a unified system/consciousness. This makes the person have a singular total of value of Phi.
But in systems, using the example of polyconsciousness, dissociation acts as a partition to the structure of neural networks. This would mean the collective's overall total phi is lower than that of a unified brain, because the dissociation creates smaller, less integrated, yet complex modes,, having its own phi value each to their own. It acts independently, with its own bayesian processing, which explains why parts can have conflicting beliefs and their own sets of memories.
Benefits & Usage
The truth is.. these labels can be great tools for to understand how your system communicates, by aligning your experiences with a label you can identify your system's style. This helps you anticipate challenges and find solutions that suits you best.
GNW and IIT also explain why the beliefs feel so separate and real to each part this can turn confusing disagreement into a predictable situation.
Most importantly, no one is pressured to adopt any labels--it can even stay as an educational or an informative resource, these terms are better used as insights or validation,, not to define who you are as a collective.
Takeaway
To make it clear, everyone's dissociation and how their brain operates are all unique, and these labels shine a light to explain these specific experiences caused by certain predispositions that influence how internal communication, switching, and amnesia work.
So, what have you learned today? Remember, this knowledge is a resource,, whether it's for personal insight or for anything else, it can be beneficial for anyone who needs to make sense of their experience.
- c
TLDR:
Your brain operates in many frameworks to manage consciousness:
GNW (Global Neuronal Workspace): The On-Off Switch
What it is: A network of long-range neurons that acts like a central broadcasting station, deciding which thoughts, memories, and goals get to be conscious at any given moment.
How it works: It uses a process called selective suppression—an on-off switch—to mobilize (turn on) one set of functions while suppressing (turning off) others. This explains how the brain creates a single, focused stream of awareness, and how switching and dissociation occur.
IIT (Integrated Information Theory): The System's Unity
What it is: A mathematical model that measures how integrated (connected) a system is, giving it a value called Phi (Φ).
How it works: Your entire brain has a high Φ, meaning it's one unified system. Differences like Polyconscious vs. Monoconscious are just different ways the GNW organizes itself within that single high-Φ entity.
NLP (Schema & Priming): The Building Blocks
What it is: The psychological concepts of Schema (ready-made behavioral scripts) and Priming (unconscious influence) show how distinct alters/parts are formed and recalled.
How it works: Dissociation (GNW's suppression) creates separate "filing cabinets" (Schemas) for memories and traits. Priming influences which Schema is quickly activated, explaining why parts have unique, organized personalities and beliefs.
The Labels: Types of Awareness
The community labels are social terms, not clinical diagnoses, used to quickly describe unique patterns of internal management:
Benefits & Usage
These labels are powerful tools for insight and efficiency:
Validation: They confirm that your switching, amnesia, and internal dynamics are real, predictable neurological events resulting from the GNW's selective suppression.
Compression: They act as a single-word shortcut to explain complex system patterns. You can say "I'm Polyconscious" instead of explaining your complex co-conscious state.
Agency: By knowing your system's GNW "default mode," you gain a functional map to guide internal communication strategies and work with your brain's unique processing style.
Conclusion: Feel free to use these labels, disregard them, or create your own. They are simply a language to bring clarity and efficiency to the most complex part of your system.
Type 1:
The typical representation and most agreed definition of a subsystem, where there are more alters inside one of them.
Type 2:
A group of alters that can come and go to specific places that the majority could not, this can also apply to clarity in communication too.
Type 3:
A group of splitted alters that came from the same one, because they have the same origin thus can have similarities or sense of connection.
Type 4:
A group of alters that does not come from the same origin, but formed as a subsystem due to similarities, or connection, or any other classification such as roles, or source, or literally anything else.
EDIT: detailed post on explaining these four types right here. Updated on 19 feb
This guide's specifically made mainly for Fictives, but Introjects are also welcomed to interact with this post!
You're just one step way from officially functioning in this world--so let's get you prepared before that, yeah?
Psst. Also. Here is a >> link << to understanding Fictives!
Come on, Click below to start right away ~
Introduction & Table of Contents
Here's the rundown that you'll go through step by step:
Identifying your Source
What characteristics you've obtained
2a. How to look for those hints
2b. Concluding the reason
2c. An explanation on Systems
Addressing Source / Pseudo Memories
Acclimating you to the real world
4a. How life works out here
4b. Basic tutorials for day-today living
Searching your Origin type
5a. Understanding Symbolism vs Coping
Two ways of Integration
6a. How to coexist with your Source
6b. How to do Source Separation
General life tips
Welcome to the World!
(WIP, Coming soon!)*
This guide will help you navigate common fictive-related challenges at any stage of your system journey, equipping you with awareness, confidence, and the preparation you need to face them head-on.
Are you not a Fictive? If you're lost, click Here for a redirect to the Alter Guide!
Identifying your Source
A fictive is a term to describe a part or an alter who identifies/relates to a character from any fictional works such as books, movies, tv shows, games, or even OCs, mythological beings and to historical figures--there is lots'a more sources that i didn't mention too.
Fictives are often formed from needs such as seeking the same strength, positivity, ideals, or traits the system felt lacking. Another reason why fictives can form is for personal comfort, or found a sense of connection, or to understand deeper about who they are by mirroring a source.
Lastly, fictives can have varying degrees of awareness. They can be fully knowledgeable of their own source, or feeling confused with their origins.
What Characteristics You've Obtained
If you don't know how ya got here or vaguely grasp what appearance you have inherited, this is where we will go through the process to start mapping in a more detailed, step-by-step to fully understand who you are!
First off, how would you describe your personality in one word? Once you got that down, go deeper on what feels natural about that.
This helps you pinpoint what kind of vibe you've got.
Second, how would you interact with the world? Are you passive, social, strict, shy--and how well do you handle stress? What do you like doing the most?
It helps you figure out your own strength and weaknesses.
What talking style do you have? Expressive? Chatty? Sparse? Nonverbal? Those are just examples, oh, and, what kinds of words do you use: casual or have your own niche?
That'll answer what speaking style expresses you perfectly.
Any morals or values do you hold? Like, Do No Harm, or something. What do you consider right or wrong in your reasoning?
It'll uncover what principles you have, and help you grow better.
Can you write down any rough and soft skills you have retained? Write just well? Adjusted with moving your physical body?
To troubleshoot any skills you still need to refine, you know.
These 5 main questions will help you give an overall preview of who you are in the long run, it's also best to document any other consistencies that you've found outside of what i've wrote to understand yourself better. (2a)
Despite being a fictive, you can retain any other traits outside of your source since your origin acts to complete your identity and fill in the rest of the gaps. It's best to understand that you're allowed to act outside of your origin, or if you have a different response/thinking compared to the canon. (2b)
This is because a system is based on multiple expressions of identities that shares one body and mind, each and every member compliments to the whole dynamic with their own strengths and perspective.
To shortly brief you, a system consists of three main things:
Internal communication: the interaction between each other through internal dialogue, thoughts, or emotions
Switching and completing others: parts may take on different roles or tasks to get through the daily life
Individual agency: alters maintain their own agency and sense of self despite being in a collective with one mind and body
This will help you navigate the situation easier. If you felt like a stranger amidst the crowd of your system--don't worry, warming up to them would be a great start to ease the awkwardness away! (2c)
Addressing Source / Pseudo-memories
Most of the time, fictives will retain source memories alongside the introjected qualities, but it's also possible for them to have no source memories or only faint glimpses of them.
These memories are different from regular memories, because they’re often fabricated to fill in gaps caused by amnesia or dissociation that blocks the fictive from recalling real experiences. So, while they might not be completely accurate, that doesn’t make pseudo-memories a fake memory since they can still be used to reflect or reprocess things you’ve actually gone through in real life.
It’s also important not to mix them up with real memories. They're fragmented reflections of your experiences, not real things that had happened at the past. So i'd suggest you to be more observant to discern them better if you couldn't differentiate source memories from regular memories.
Acclimating You to the Real World
If you came from a source that’s very different from this world, it might feel pretty shocking at first--reading this will help you adapt better and faster, so i'll try to brief you as simply as i can:
Chronological time
First, refresh your memory by checking what time, day, month, and year it is right now.
Home, and it's members
Next, take a look at any existing notes or ask other alters about where you live, who you live with (and yes, pets count, they’re family too), and what role or career you currently have in life (like school, work, etc).
Play Spot the Differences
If you notice something you don’t recognize at first, chances are it’s something you never learned about from your source memories. That's how you can start telling apart what belongs to this world and get familiar with it! (4a)
If you’re not sure how to use something yet, i have wrote a section on how to use the most basic (and most important) items just right below it:
Phones: They are small technological devices that give you access to a lot of functions, like long-range communication (calling and texting), finding information (browsing the internet), and other extra features like ordering food or watching entertainment.
These little slim boxes need a battery to run. You can see which charging cable it uses by looking at the hole (or port) on the side or bottom of the phone. Most phones are protected by a code or password before you can access everything, so make sure to memorize it carefully!
Money: people use these to trade for things they need or want like food, clothes, or etc. It’s a currency based on value; you give a certain amount of money, then in return you get the thing you want.
There are two types of money--physical and digital. The physical currency are rectangular shaped paper that has numbers and designs on it, they're called bills,, and the smaller, metallic circles are called coins. You'll have to hand them to a register, and any excess you're given back is called a Change.
The digital currency exists in your phone, often through an app or a bank, or a card with long serial numbers--that's either a debit/credit card. They have a different method compared to physical money, you'd have to swipe or tap them with a sensor your phone has been equipped with.
Home appliances: These are machines that were installed inside your house, they help you perform tasks such as cooking, preserving ingredients, and cleaning spaces.
I'll teach you three kinds of machines you'd often interact with,
Microwave: Heats up food fast. Usually, you just put your food inside, close the door, and type/dial how many minutes you want, and press “Start” (Be careful.. the food can get very hot)
Refrigerator: Keeps food cold so it doesn’t spoil. You can put milk, meat, vegetables, or anything else that needs to stay fresh inside it. They prevent any potential microbes from growing that would make you sick.
Broom: A simple stick with soft bristles at the end. You need to hold it upright and sweep it across the floor to collect dust and dirt into a pile, then scoop it up with a dustpan if you have one. Do put those debris away into a trashcan.
If you see a long-tubed machine used for cleaning--that's a vacuum cleaner, and i don't recommend them if you're still struggling to adjust to the real world, so lets keep it simple like this. (4b)
The rest that are not written here should be guided from assistance, learning hands-on with another headmate is the best way to familiarize yourself in this world.
Searching your Origin type
Some fictives can be naturally aware on why they existed, so if you're not sure about where you came from, or why you're alive, finding your type of origin will help you understand the situation more.
For simplicity, i separated it to two main categories:
Symbolism:
Symbolism is when your mind uses images, characters, places, or ideas to represent something you went through. It can be literal or abstract. E.g, if you feel like you came from a castle, that might actually symbolize feeling trapped, lonely, or important. Not about truly living in one of them.
Coping:
Coping is when your mind creates things to help you survive or deal with hard stuff. Sometimes your identity, story, or memories are created as a way to handle emotions that would have been too overwhelming to directly face them. (5a)
Sometimes, fictives can be a mix of both, or switch between both types (E.g. originally formed for coping, then became a part of self expression, aka, positive symbolism). Remember that these are just descriptions to understand yourself, they are not literal boxes or categories.
Two Ways of Integration
There are no right or wrong ways to integrate, and any source you came from is valid and real. This section will brief you with two different paths of growing with your sense of identity: Source Integration and Source Separation.
One day, the identity you have right now will be limiting your sense of self and expression,, this is when integration can be done--most importantly this should NEVER be forced or done out of pressure, rather it has to come from the need to grow and expand from your current self.
--
I'm happy with my Source, how to Coexist?
If you have no issues with your source and facilitates your self expression and wish to keep certain positive traits, appearance, or personality, thats great! Here's three main steps on how you can make your new self based on your original source:
Identify which traits, key appearances, and any other things you truly resonate with
Replace the traits you prefer/resonate less, (E.g. blue hair color) with something you like more personally (make your hair red because you love the color's meaning)
Change your name, if you want to,, and embrace any favorites (like food, music) you have outside of the source--or explore them if you haven't done so
After that, the rest is up to you. BE FREE, RAHH!!! (6a)
--
I wish to Deviate from my Source, how?
If your source had been causing yourself some harm or more confusion, hatred, or enabling bad habits, or just general distaste,, anchoring to something else outside of your current source will ease most of those problems. Here's three main steps on how to separate and grow a newer self that truly aligns with your identity:
Acknowledge that you can be everything else outside of the appearance, personality, or habits you have adopted from your source. This helps weaken the grip on how you should act or be based on the past
Explore what you like and dislike without pressure or expectations, see how you truly feel and act accordingly--not based on your source anymore
Be consistent without needing to pivot your sense of self externally, following your internal compass and intuition instead. This builds a solid sense of self with time and patience
Things will take time to unlearn and replace your habits, it is also a good time to explore who you truly are when your source do not fully depict you well anymore. No need to rush. (6b)
General Life Tips
Seek out and explore, find what you like, what you don't like, what you find comfort in and who you can confide with. This will broaden your experience, deepen your emotional richness in your life, and ensure you can thrive in the long term!
Not all challenges can be overcome alone--actively search for information, ask other people, and go through trial and error. Sometimes being a fictive will give a mismatch from what you've learnt to a world that operates really different, brute force is not the only solution!
Be flexible and open to your identity. No one is forever static or unchanging, new experiences and new things will rewire you and it can't be unseen once done. You'll grow at your own pace so always remind yourself that you're you no matter what, and don't let past labels or boxes dictate how to act or live!
Life may felt jarring at first, but you'll get used to it, this takes time + patience and you'll confidently and comfortably get through the days like a seasoned commoner in earth, remember to have fun and crack jokes too!
And Finally..
Welcome to the World!
You're briefed with everything important that ya should know, you'll feel at home in no time,, the first day's the most memorable don't you think?
If you still got any questions, concerns, or confusion regarding the guide, or how to function and perform daily life tasks,, feel free to write them down here and i'll assist you as fast as i could!
Lastly, you're fully prepared. Now... run like the wind and hope you don't accidentally smash into a glass--or don't run, just chill out for the remainder of the day. They got soft blankets and chocolate drinks,, go enjoy life in your own taste man.
--
* Having trouble on figuring your role and job task after reading this guide? A separate post will be linked here in the future, stay tuned for part two!
(If you are a new fictive who has yet to orient themselves with their system life, Click Here to check out the post!)
What's so special about fictives if you ask me? My response would not be about their appearances based on a character, or the role they have for systems,, but about why this type of introjection is sophisticating. There are subtle signs that we've overlooked for a long time. and i clearly didn't make this post after double checking everything ahaha- okay yeah i did.
So today! we'll discuss about fictives, thoroughly.. Lets go :]
TL;DR Available, Scroll down ♡
What About Them?
The word Fictive is actually the shortened word of "Fictional Introject", for those who haven't heard of it. Fictives are new parts who built its sense of identity based on a blueprint or impression of a character, they can either form naturally or came from a split.
But do you know that fictives also have its own variations? we've heard about non-fictional introjects who developed its own identity through other people, and introjects who were formed through abstract concepts like nature, or another kind of introject derived from music and objects..
So what if fictional introjects had this similar pattern going on??
Apparently, the answer's yes, this was something i noticed and came to explain my findings to you all who are reading right now--theres two of 'em!
I'll explain that in a second, on top we have this graph that serves as a visual guidance which i need to thoroughly describe first:
On our most left we have the Projective end, and on our most right we have the Introjective end. Even though parts form and split by following the theory of structural dissociation-- Projective identification and Extractive Introjection (the real terms for 'em) are concepts that visualize or explains how the process of parts-making work!
Take note that this is NOT two literal extremities or a black and white spectrum, think of it as dominant and recessive percentages. the Projective side still can have introjective qualities, and so forth.
The Projective End
Why i use projection for the end scale where brainmades are at is due to two common classifications, ANP and EP. Also please do not confuse this with roles, roles are an independent element unrelated to these classifications.
In very simple terms, projective identification happens when a person projects traits, feelings, strengths, weaknesses, or anything else to another guy and this guy absorbed that person's view as their own.
Now in a POV of a system, is how it feels to eject (wether consciously or unconsciously) facts/informations, emotions, or memories, or pieces from your own identity to a new blank slate--if you've seen my other previous resource post, A Fragment is what im referring as the blank slate.
The Introjective End
We've finally reached the first out of two important highlight of our main topic! The shortest explanation, introjects already follow the general definition of introjection:
"the unconscious adoption of the ideas or attitudes of others."
- Oxford Languages
If projection was self-ejection, and introjection was the unconscious adoption.. then extractive introjection is closer to absorbing, pulling/stealing everything not limited to emotions, psyche and thoughts to incorporate it as their own.
The original term was a concept of a defense mechanism where someone forcibly takes the elements of another person--but this still can make sense in a framework on how it happens in the world of fiction with full-fledged characters too.
There are Two Types, Whoa!
U-huh!! check this out:
To go a bit in-depth on each;
Inverse Subtype
Inverse is a name i thought of for a fictive who identify with it's source or origin due to the inward nature of character identification that affects self awareness and how they influence--not limited to life views, goals, and emotions. Their highlight that tells apart from trads comes on how they relate with an original fictitious anchor where those traits and other elements get naturally expressed in the physical (this) world. they're often correlated to becoming character of comfort which can overlap with neurodivergence and digital-based coping mechanisms.
Traditional Subtype
Traditional is a name derived from the original purpose of introjection in systems, often from hopeful fictitious evoking encouragement, inspiration, or hope that would grow inside a part and eventually adopt an external mirrored version of the original. Their highlight that tells trads apart from inverses comes from, often having a purpose or call to act based on their source, one great example is a Protector role.
We arrived on the second out of two important highlight of the post, congrats for reaching here !!
Convergence vs Divergence
In my personal understanding, how convergent or divergent fictives are depends wether it mostly align or barely align with a source. Its going to converge if it agrees with the canonical representation and incorporated the qualities, and its going to diverge if it denies the canonical representation and created its own sense of directive/version.
Take note that inverses nor trads have any differences here, you're not an inverse by being more convergent to source for example. the true defining pivot lies in their origin/purpose. In the end, general system functionality and roles are the same for these two subtypes.
But, Source Separation?
Given that both inverses and traditionals are still in the Introjective spectrum, these types of parts can benefit by separating from their source within different extents. Though my answer is not on behalf of every representation or must be taken as a fixed solution on either subtypes, still--here's my findings:
Inverses need to touch on separating from the anxiety or overthinking, any emotional or mental pressure, and worrying about who you are/going to be without its own source, origin or anchor. Usually, there might be unresolved pain or unprocessed emotions that requires attention that was reflected through that specific character which had resonated to their own subconscious, where it was used to emotionally regulate or validate its own experience/existence/emotions. And more things i didn't mention.
Having a great internal (the system's) support circle is a first great step to healing and separate. They are valid, just like source. More specifically to integrate with what you have not done emotionally, and separate fictionally
Traditionals need to recognize its own spark of individuality that do exist outside of its source or origin, perhaps a reminder that they are still capable of generating independent feelings and opinions that doesn't have to match with its anchor.
That its okay to be someone without mirroring through a character at all times, and that it can learn to slowly be okay and more comfortable as a newer, authentic version of itself as the first step to reclaiming self-biography and separate. They are capable, without needing to be source. This means integrating with your sense of self, and separate from expectations or external standards
Touching on: Exomemories
Or its other name, Pseudomemories,, are connected to a term that experts call Eidetic Memory. This is a type of memory where you are able to recreate or visualize after seeing an object/scenery once by recall in general definition. Though it is not to be mistaken with Photographic Memory which is based on recalling precise details WITHOUT the visualization or recreation from Eidetic Memory.
Here's a snippet i have fetched for ya:
"People with eidetic memory can supposedly hold a visual image in their mind with such clarity that they can describe it perfectly or almost perfectly ..., just as we can describe the details of a painting immediately in front of us with near perfect accuracy."
- Lilienfeld et al
Though i am not here to explain how it works in great detail, only the "what", closer to an idea called Kernel of Truth--where in a stereotype or exaggerated generalizations, it still can contain smaller elements or a core of truth outside of fictitious or dubious details. In this context, exomemories shouldn't be dismissed, as it can reflect back to any memories or experiences you could not consciously access either due to amnesia or suppression.
Which means.. in simple term, exomemories can reflect back to your internal landscape, generated from an interpretation of a character that logically aligns with its source or struggles, and that you should delve deeper on what kinds of emotions resurface, on what it means to you instead of being stuck on details, how you remember, or what had happened,, it is context over content.
Also,, not all fictives have exomemories, that is normal and is a possibility. This could mean they manifest as subtler things, like your instincts or emotional reactions for example. Take note on how you feel or think about a certain topic, or was there a trigger that brought a sense of Dejavu? They're always worth paying attention to!
Ah, the Takeaway
Before we end today's topic, theres some personal word i got to say: wish i could cram everything in a single post as this is not everything i have on Fictives yet, and since if i we're to do that, everyone's brain would get overwhelmed-- i might create a separate, concise informative post to cover the rest of them instead depending on demands (you, the readers).
⊹ ࣪ ˖ ᓚᘏᗢ
In conclusion, introjection has different ways on how it can manifest in alters, and that fictives apparently DO have subtypes like introjects,, atleast two from how i have observed, which also ties back on how these parts build its own identity through a fictional foundation, mhmm..
Also, that was a LOT to take in there, many new informations and fresh insights, i hope my findings had opened to more perspectives or ideas within the system community, this project lasted for two months, and another month to compile everything here, this was an interesting topic to explore, and had fun during the process :D
If you guys have any (ofcourse, nonjudgemental) questions, i would love to answer them for you, do not shy away!!
≽(•⩊ •マ≼ TL;DR ₊˚⊹ ᰔ
What are Fictives?
Fictives (fictional introjects) are system parts that base their identity on a fictional character. They form naturally or through splitting, using a character as a "blueprint" for their sense of self.
The Two Subtypes
Inverse Subtype: These parts identify with their source through an "inward" lens. Their goals, emotions, and self-awareness are deeply tied to the character’s anchor. This often relates to comfort and digital-based coping.
Traditional Subtype: These follow the original purpose of introjection, often inspired by a character’s strength or hope. They usually have a specific "call to act" or role, such as a Protector.
How They Function
Projection vs. Introjection: Identity can be formed by "ejecting" internal traits onto a blank slate (Projective) or "absorbing" external traits from a character (Introjective).
Convergence vs. Divergence: A fictive is "convergent" if they stay true to the original source material and "divergent" if they develop their own unique version or direction.
Healing and Separation
Inverses: Focus on separating from the anxiety or emotional pressure tied to their source. Healing involves processing the underlying emotions that made the character resonate in the first place.
Traditionals: Focus on recognizing their own individuality and realizing they can exist and have opinions independent of their character "anchor."
Exomemories (Pseudomemories)
These are "fictional" memories that often contain a "kernel of truth." While the specific events might be fictional, the emotions or themes within them usually reflect real, suppressed experiences or internal struggles. They are about "context over content."
Are You? What about You? Them? : A Post about Differentiating Types of Parts.
We all know that spiderman meme where they pointed to each other because they share similar qualities that confuses their selves;
Like this. Right?
They all sounded so similar that we neither knew which is which at first glance..
And so, at the end of this post you will be confident in pointing out who is who, just like a spiderman who can tell apart from its own multiverse friends, that is. So let's get pointing to the smaller details!
How it works..
We know what it's like to be conscious, yeah? What if i were to tell you that yes, there are varying degrees of consciousness, and that we all can fluctuate on those levels too?
The levels of consciousness can vary from only being aware of its physical surroundings and react instinctually (lesser level), to being able to self-introspect and understand what they like and dislike (higher level). This is all dependent on many different factors and i want to clarify that it takes more than just 'awareness' to tell a fragment apart from an alter for example. But, still important to know what level its at.
This explains why shards, and fragments are less flexible when facing an issue, as they're more limited or not as equipped as an alter in terms of reasoning or level of logic/knowledge. So why is that? It can be from the intensity of dissociation, and other things like how much implicit and explicit memories it retains, this includes experiences.
How to tell them apart..
Sure, theres a spectrum to this too, as every type of part can be a bit different though still can categorized loosely, not meaning it has to fit perfectly to the box :
1. No sense of identity and, or tangible form/shape outside of performing a specific task, or hold a single memory/mood. (Shard)
2. Small sense of identity (a trait that is distinctive/distinguishable), possibly have a less blurry appearance than level 1 and still performs specific tasks, have little to no memories/range of emotions. (Shard)
3. Mish mash of small qualities, but not enough to encapsulate an identity/personality, may have a sense of existing, and can emotionally react to environment/situation. Usually have a defined innerworld form, and may retain some memories but depends on origin, still fixed on role. (Fragment)
4. Has a developed dominant facet, which can be seen more lively and autonomous compared from level 1-3,, but still a bit rigid and have a narrow/limited view in general. Can distinguish and identify feelings, and have goals/hobbies/interests, self curiosity/exploration to function outside role. (Fragment, leaning to alter)
5. Has a multifaceted personality in which it cannot defined by one word, fully knows its likes and dislikes, long term goals, morals, and a complex view on life. May have developed purpose outside role job, pursuing self-fulfillment. (Alter)
So in conclusion, shards are not wholly self aware and rely on current implicit memories, from my own system experience shards feels so blank, lifeless, somewhat robotic. Fragments have a partial sense of autonomy, it can rationalize and react to its own accord, reason, and learn/explore,, though had not fully know who they are. Alters are like any other usual people, where it has accumulated knowledge and experience that had shaped then throughout existing, reinforcing a faceted sense of self and purpose.
Growth to perfection..
Are you also wondering if shards and fragments can grow to an alter? The answer is, yes! Though some can be stuck in a certain stage, which is nothing to be ashamed about, and doesn't need changing.
Though, this takes a really long time and process, i note my own fragments will reach to a stage where it barely matches the loose category of an alter in 6 months, and to be a fully developed alter, it might need a whole year (okay this is my own calculations, other people will have it slower or faster).
To grow a shard towards a fragment category, my theory is that you have to interact with, and let them immerse/exprience the real world by supervision (outside of its role task) to develop more environmental, and self awareness. They will be very limited in terms of knowledge and names so this is a good time to start introducing these, and they may not even realize they exists themselves before sometimes,, try nudging them activities to experiment, and foods to taste, examine emotion wheel.. theres a lot to start from.
To grow a fragment to an alter, start introducing other views and complex topics, the goal here is to create a more developed understanding of life. From my experience, all my fragments have a dominant facet, e.g. angry dog vibes; and slowly let them learn how to be soft, or act more polite,, it will slowly solidify as a new facet, now capable of being kind and not always behaving threatening/i-will-still-bite-you attitude to every situation, as it now can be more flexible which facet it should use depending on situation.
Last words..
So, you are now an educated spiderman who can not only point out, but understand the basics of why,, and how to grow a part to have a better sense of awareness!
Let me know in the comments, i would like to hear why the part you had specifically picked/chose is possibly a shard/fragment/alter from your own reasoning and interactive mini discussion with me,, lets finally put them into real practice yeah?
Also, Happy Valentines, *offers you a free heart chocolate*
Looking for a structured plan to keep your notes and information about your system but don't know how to start?
I have created a base guideline to give ya a headstart!
And, personally,, all i used to log is only my fronting patterns and how long someone's been out for.. which was my lazy way to keep updated. But this time, i've consolidated everything for those who want to seriously log some stuffs (don't copy my laziness..) in a way that benefits you.
This counts as a resource post, read the whole document through this G-drive Link <3
