Doris Fischer: Multiple Personality and Alleged Spirit Possession Case Investigated by Walter Franklin Prince of ASPR — Five Distinct Personalities (Boston, 1911–1916)

Doris Fischer: Multiple Personality and Alleged Spirit Possession Case Investigated by Walter Franklin Prince of ASPR

The History and Background

In the early 20th century, a case that would capture both public fascination and scientific scrutiny emerged in Boston. Doris Fischer, a young woman from Malden, Massachusetts, was at the center of what became one of the most intriguing and controversial cases of spirit possession and multiple personality disorder to be examined by the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR). The case, spanning from 1911 to 1916, involved five distinct personalities within Doris, each with its own unique characteristics, memories, and even voices. This article delves into the history, key events, evidence, investigations, and lasting impact of this extraordinary case.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

1911: The Initial Report

In April 1911, Doris Fischer first came to the attention of Walter Franklin Prince, a prominent member of the ASPR. She was referred by Dr. William Seward Burroughs, who had been treating her for what seemed like an unusual psychological condition. According to Burroughs, Doris exhibited multiple personalities and spoke in voices that were not her own. The case was so compelling that it led Prince to investigate personally.

1912: Detailed Documentation

In 1912, Prince began his detailed documentation of the case. He recorded numerous sessions with Doris, during which she transitioned between five distinct personalities, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. The personalities were named as follows:

• Alice (a young girl who spoke in a high-pitched voice)
• Marie (an older woman who exhibited signs of being from the upper class)
• Marguerite (a shy, gentle girl who often wept easily)
• Elizabeth (a stern, authoritative presence with a commanding voice)
• Doris herself, who was described as mild-mannered and cooperative

Each personality had its own set of memories, mannerisms, and even physical traits. For instance, Marguerite’s personality would make Doris sit in a particular way and speak softly.

1913: Public Interest

As the case gained traction within scientific circles, it also caught the public imagination. Newspaper articles began to report on the unusual phenomenon, fueling both curiosity and skepticism. Prince himself published his findings in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 1914, where he detailed the various personalities and their interactions.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Doris’s case was not just a matter of subjective reports; there were several instances that provided concrete evidence. One notable event occurred on September 23, 1915, when Doris transitioned into the personality of Marguerite during a session with Prince. Marguerite began to weep uncontrollably and claimed to be able to hear her deceased mother’s voice. This was corroborated by a family member who claimed to have heard the same voice outside the room.

Another instance involved the appearance of writing. During one of their sessions, Doris suddenly started writing with a pencil she had not been holding. The handwriting matched that of Elizabeth, another personality within her. This led Prince to conclude that the personalities were distinct and independent entities.

Investigations or Research

Walter Franklin Prince’s Involvement

Prince was deeply involved in the case from its inception until its resolution. He conducted numerous sessions with Doris, often recording hours of dialogue between the different personalities. His detailed notes and observations provided a wealth of data that contributed to the broader understanding of multiple personality disorder.

ASPR’s Role

The ASPR played an instrumental role in validating Prince’s findings. The society’s involvement helped legitimize the case by bringing together experts from various fields, including psychology, psychiatry, and even spiritualism. This collaborative approach ensured that the investigation was thorough and scientifically rigorous.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

While Doris Fischer’s case provided significant insights into multiple personality disorder, it remains an enigma to this day. After 1916, no further reports or updates on her condition emerged. Prince’s records were eventually lost, making a full historical analysis difficult. However, the case continues to be cited in academic literature as an early and comprehensive example of dissociative identity disorder (DID).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was Doris Fischer’s case ever proven scientifically?

A: Although Walter Franklin Prince documented the case meticulously, scientific validation was limited by the methods available at the time. Modern standards for diagnosing DID are much more precise than those in 1910s. The case is now primarily of historical interest and is used as a reference point in understanding early psychological concepts.

Q: How did Doris’s personalities transition between each other?

A: According to Prince’s records, transitions occurred spontaneously or through specific triggers. Sometimes they happened gradually, while at other times there were sudden shifts. The exact mechanisms behind these transitions remain unclear and are still subjects of ongoing research in psychology.

Q: What was the impact of Doris’s case on the scientific community?

A: The case significantly influenced the field of psychology by providing an early example of dissociative identity disorder. It sparked discussions about the nature of consciousness, memory, and the mind-body connection, paving the way for future research into mental disorders.

Q: Are there any documented cases similar to Doris’s today?

A: While not as dramatic or publicized, modern cases of DID are well-documented in clinical literature. However, they often involve fewer distinct personalities compared to Doris’s case. The current understanding and treatment methods have evolved significantly since the 1910s.

Q: Why did Prince’s records disappear?

A: The loss of Prince’s records is a mystery. Some speculate that they may have been destroyed or misplaced over time, while others believe they might still exist in archives not yet fully cataloged. Regardless of their current whereabouts, the case remains a significant chapter in the history of psychology and the study of consciousness.