Splitting creates instability in relationships, because one person can be viewed as either personified virtue or personified vice at different times, depending on whether he or she gratifies the subject’s needs or frustrates them. This along with similar oscillations in the experience and appraisal of the self lead to chaotic and unstable relationship patterns, identity diffusion, and Other-directed mood swings. Consequently, the therapeutic process can be greatly impeded by these oscillations, because the therapist too can become the target of splitting. To overcome the negative effects on treatment outcome, constant interpretations by the therapist are needed.[1]
Splitting contributes to unstable relationships and intense emotional experiences, something that has been noted especially with narcissists. Alexander Abdennur writes in his book on narcissistic personality disorder, Camouflaged Aggression, that “[t]hrough this splitting mechanism, the narcissist can suddenly and radically shift his allegiance. A trusted friend can become an enemy; the partner may become an adversary.”[2]
Treatment strategies have been developed for individuals and groups based on dialectical behavior therapy, and for couples.[3] There are also self help books on related topics such as mindfulness and emotional regulation that have been helpful for individuals who struggle with the consequences of splitting.[4]” Get more here: Splitting (psychology) – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Related articles
- Bipolar or Narcissistic Personality Disorder? (everydayhealth.com)
- Narcissism is its Own Dark Tale (krackedkillers.wordpress.com)
- Be Assertive When Divorcing High Conflict Partners (psychologytoday.com)
- Criticizing a narcissist (liturgical.wordpress.com)
- Narcissistic personality disorder – PubMed Health (tazromagna.wordpress.com)
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (allaboutcounseling.com)
- Narcissists: “Enough About Me: Let’s Talk About Myself” (psychologytoday.com)
Bright, shiny objects! 
Never heard this term before, but now I have to look into it…
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Thank you for sharing this! I run DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups, which is an evidence based therapy to help individuals with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Individuals with narcissistic/borderline traits often engage in splitting and can really benefit from DBT. Todd, you do find good stuff. Keep it coming!
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I’d like to hear more about your dbt groups…
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I appreciate you taking a look at my blog – Narcissism is its own Dark Tale or something like that haha I am following this blog
I had no idea about splitting outside of MPD or DID
In fact splitting sounds to me like it would really apply to borderline personality disorder – they think the same way – friend now foe later
must be a hard life
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