Alter Ego Definition
The term "alter ego" has become a part of everyday language. Although, the term's roots originate in psychology, it has been used more in fiction, films and in social settings rather than a term associated with a mental disorder.
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History
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The literal Latin translation of alter ego is "the other I" or, commonly, a dual personality. It first appeared in the 19th century when psychologists first studied the mental disorder, schizophrenia.
Misconceptions
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Alter ego is rarely referred to as an aspect of schizophrenia or a term for multiple personality disorder. More commonly, it is used outside of psychology.
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Fiction
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In fiction, it is a term used for characters that live a double life. A well-known example is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Films
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Iconic film characters are often referred to a famous actor's alter ego--particularly when the actor becomes frequently associated with the character like James Bond and Sean Connery.
Friends
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Many people refer to their close friends as their alter egos as an example of their close relationship.
Behavior
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People who adjust their normal behavior to adapt to certain social situations might have an alter ego. For example, many people act differently among close friends versus work associates.
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