The Alter Ego: a mechanism for Dealing with trauma in Teenagers

By: Sofia Lodovichi 

Teenagers face various challenges in their growth process, and to cope with them, some develop an alter ego. This mechanism, recently popularized on social media, seeks to overcome trauma by pretending to act as an ideal version of oneself. In this essay, we will analyze the concept of the alter ego, its impact on identity development, and its role in overcoming trauma. 

What is an alter ego? 

The term "alter ego" comes from Latin and means "another self." In psychology, it is defined as the creation of another psychological identity that allows us to distance ourselves from our ego and observe situations from a different perspective. This strategy helps us distance ourselves from our emotions, take control of our thoughts, and act as our ideal selves (Jung, 1953). 

The alter ego as a tool for coping with trauma 

Trauma is not just the inability to stop thinking about a negative experience; it is a lasting psychological and biological condition that affects our lives, relationships, and personalities (Cook, n.d.). The central idea of the alter ego is to allow adolescents to distance themselves from the feelings that a situation generates for them, such as anxiety or fear. This process is known as self-distancing. 

Self-distancing is a mechanism that allows one to gain perspective and reduce the intensity of negative emotions. An alter ego gives adolescents the necessary space to see problems from a more rational perspective and better manage their emotional responses. This is key in trauma processing, as it allows them to reconstruct their narrative without getting trapped in the pain of the past.

Neurological benefits of the alter ego in adolescents with trauma 

From a neurological perspective, using an alter ego can provide multiple benefits in terms of brain development and emotional regulation. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes in the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the limbic system in general (Casey et al., 2008). These changes make adolescents more prone to intense emotions and impulsive reactions but also more receptive to coping strategies such as using an alter ego. 

The alter ego helps adolescents regulate their emotions and respond more stably to stressful factors. It also allows them to experience a sense of agency and control over their lives, which can be fundamental in trauma recovery. 

Risks of excessive use of the alter ego 

Although the alter ego can be a useful tool, its excessive use can lead to identity problems and emotional disconnection. Dissociation is a mechanism that some adolescents develop in response to trauma and can intensify if the alter ego becomes the only coping mechanism (Putnam, 1997). In extreme cases, this can fragment the identity and hinder social adaptation. 

To prevent the alter ego from becoming a barrier to identity development, adolescents should use it as a tool rather than a substitute for their true selves. Strategies to ensure a healthy balance include: 

1. Encouraging journaling or self-exploration exercises could help teenagers to understand why they use an alter ego and whether it benefits or hinders their growth. 

2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or narrative therapy can help integrate the alter ego into a healthy identity development process. 

3. Engaging in creative activities like art, writing, or theater allows self-expression beyond the alter ego. 

4. Using alter ego as a support tool in specific situations rather than a constant escape. 

5. Techniques like meditation and grounding exercises could help to maintain a connection with reality. 

6. Learning about emotions and coping mechanisms could help adolescents manage challenges without overusing the alter ego. 

On the other hand, in therapeutic contexts, the integration of the alter ego into the real identity can aid emotional recovery. Techniques such as narrative therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy can use the alter ego as a resource to process traumatic experiences and strengthen psychological resilience.

Conclusion 

The alter ego is a mechanism that can help teenagers deal with trauma by providing them with a new perspective and greater emotional control. However, its use must be balanced to avoid identity problems and disconnection from reality. Adolescents must receive support to integrate their alter ego healthily and build a strong and resilient identity. 

References 

Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., & Hare, T. A. (2008). The adolescent brain. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1440.010 

Cook, M. (n.d.). Overcoming trauma using alter egos: Attractive character as a tool for healing. Magie Cook. Retrieved from 

https://magiecook.com/blog/overcoming-trauma-using-alter-egos-attractive-character-as-a-to ol-for-healing/ 

Mundo Psicólogos. (n.d.). Alter ego: How to use your hidden identity to gain more confidence and security. Mundo Psicólogos. Retrieved from 

https://www.mundopsicologos.com/articulos/alter-ego-como-usar-tu-identidad-oculta-para-ob tener-mas-confianza-y-seguridad 

Putnam, F. W. (1997). Dissociation in children and adolescents: A developmental perspective. Guilford Press. 

Robson, D. (2020, August 17). The ‘Batman effect’: How having an alter ego empowers you. BBC Worklife. Retrieved from 

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200817-the-batman-effect-how-having-an-alter-ego-e mpowers-you 

P. (2020). Psychology: How to embrace your alter ego. Psychologies Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.psychologies.co.uk/psychology-how-embrace-your-alter-ego