Perhaps you have felt the desire to be someone else or to live a life different from the one you have. Whether for fun or even out of necessity, it is certain that at some point we have impersonated other people. That is why we will better explain the meaning of alter ego why it can be beneficial, and some well-known examples.

What is alter ego?

In short, the alter ego is the embodiment of another fictitious identity distinct from our standard personality In other words, we create and embody the identity of a character, acting according to his or her character's character.

The term literally means "another me", referring to a persona that resides in our unconscious. It is also worth saying what is alter ego in Psychology. According to professionals in this area, the ego is the surface of the mind where rational ideas, emotions and thoughts are concentrated. In turn, the alter ego would be a product of the unconscious added to our wills, desires andrepressed idealizations.

Origins

According to records, the physician Franz Mesmer became known for having introduced the use of the term alter ego while he was working. According to his studies he eventually discovered that the hypnotic trance revealed different parts of a person's personality. This "other self" that emerged during the sessions was as if the patient completely changed who he was.

Over time, the alter ego was incorporated into literature and the art world by actors and writers, all because this other personality would serve to bring the most diverse stories to life. Although the creations were purposely different in essence from the one who created them, they were still parts of the one who built them .

Not enough, the created characters themselves could have other personalities and hidden facets. For example, think of comic book heroes or movie characters. Although they carry some values of the person who imagined them, these personas are independent enough to think in their own way.

Why can it be beneficial to have an alter ego?

You may not know it, but having another self can be beneficial to your health if you are under the supervision of a therapist Not only giving yourself freedom, but also complementing the basis of mental health when dealing with personal problems.

For example, think of a doctor who throughout his childhood wanted to be an athlete or a painter. Unfortunately, the career he pursued made him retract his primordial desires, although they still existed in his core. Because of this, the doctor may feel suffocated, tense, and in a very sensitive mood quite often.

If he lets the athlete or painter "out" you sporadically, he is likely to feel more fullness in life Another example would be someone who is extremely shy and fears interacting with others in many situations. If you create a persona with your own story you will feel more at ease as you experience life without pressure or judgment from anyone.

Alter ego of comic book heroes

The use of alter ego is frequent in comics because it is a way to protect the identity of the heroes. This way it is possible for them to act as saviors without their personal life being directly affected. In addition, it can protect family and friends, since some villain could use them as hostages to threaten their lives.

For example, Peter Parker's alter ego is Spider-Man, the hero being someone far removed from the common figure of his creator. Along his path as a hero, Peter realized that this life could put those he loved at risk It is worth remembering that, in a comic book, he ended up losing Gwen Stacy, friend and love interest.

On the other hand, there are the rare cases where there is a reversal in the creation of these secret identities. Instead of being the hero that exists in an ordinary person, Superman hides in the disguise of a civilian. Clark Kent is his real name. Thus, the journalist has become Superman's other self, serving as a disguise for the hero.

Alter ego in cinema

Because of the way they work, actors often face a new alter ego whenever a job starts. It is about studying and embodying a life different from your own, understanding the limits, ambitions and desires of each character Some immersions are so deep that they often mentally shake the actors who played them.

It's not always easy, because the complexity of these roles can push a person to their physical, mental, and emotional limits. Yet it's common for performers to bet on different projects as a way to distance themselves from previous work. If a person plays very similar roles, he or she may be stigmatized for the similarity they bring.

This is not the case with Tilda Swinton, a professional known for her extreme versatility and resourcefulness in her films and series. The actress has the respect of the industry experts for giving a ruthless performance for any role she plays. On the other hand, actor Rob Schneider is not so well evaluated by the critics because of the personas and projects he usually does.

Risks

Although an alter ego can help in a person's evolution and experience, it may not always be so beneficial. This is usually the case for those who have a split personality and other such problems. The danger of having another identity is worrying for these people, since:

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• personalities can be independent, acting far from the conscious control of the creator;
• have unhealthy purposes, since this alternative persona easily seeks destructive paths.

Examples

Below you can see some examples of artists who have revealed their alter ego, by virtue of their careers or otherwise:

Beyoncé/Sasha Fierce

To differentiate her stage image from her personal life, Beyoncé created Sasha Fierce in 2003. According to her, Sasha represented a wilder, bolder, crazier side, unlike the shy and reserved Beyoncé The singer affirms that the alter ego no longer exists, showing that nowadays she feels at one with herself on stage.

David Bowie/ Ziggy Stardust

Rock lovers of the 1970s witnessed the birth of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie's other self. Ziggy was an androgynous, almost alien personality who is certainly one of music's best known.

Nicki Minaj/miscellaneous

The rapper has gained fame in the last decade for her fast-paced verses and also for the various personas she embodies. Although they are amusing alter egos, it is said that Onika Maraj, real name, had a difficult childhood immersed in family conflicts. To get away from the fighting her parents had she invented personalities and stories for each of them.

Final considerations about alter ego

Besides being fun, creating an alter ego can have therapeutic purposes that are extremely beneficial to your health It is about revealing your desires without strangeness or guilt, preserving your identity while discovering new perspectives and experiences.

Except in cases where a person has a dissociative personality disorder, having another personality is a productive attitude. In this way it is possible for you to reconcile responsibility and fun and lead a fuller and healthier life.

Wholeness can be an accessible path for you when you enroll in our online Psychoanalysis course. It will not only work on your needs, but also aspirations and desires to feel full in your abilities. Thus, besides revealing the productivity of having an alter ego, Psychoanalysis will help you unlock your full potential .