Movie Reflection - Sybil (1976)

This mystery movie evolves around a girl named Sybil, who has Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). As this movie is released at 1976 and it is mentioned that the treatment lasts for 11 years, we can assume that the mental disorder is referred to DSM-II and DSM-III, as DSM-III was only published and implemented on 1980. In DSM-II, there were no clear clarification for Multiple Personality Disorder, and was only a minor label under Hysterical Dissociative Disorder. This mental illness slowly gain its recognition and a proper criteria for diagnosis was then given for Multiple Personality Disorder in DSM-III. At the year 1994, DSM-IV newly stated this mental illness to be known as Dissociative Identity Disorder.(DID) Furthermore, more fine tunes changes was made for this disorder in DSM-V. Although Dissociative Identidy Disorder has always been very controversial, the main symptoms, common causes and treatment remain similar over the decades.

Criteria and major symptoms for DID in DSM-V

Causes for DID in DSM-V

Comorbid illness with DID in DSM-V

Retrieved from: http://www.dsm5.org/documents/changes%20from%20dsm-iv-tr%20to%20dsm-5.pdf

This film has well portrayed Dissociative Identity Disorder and has given insight to many about this illness. First, it shows the typical symptoms of having a few personalities that are totally different from the person, impairment of social functioning, and having dissociative amnesias. When Sybil first started seeking treatment from Dr Wilbur, we can see that she often lose track of time and has to refer to her watch. She doesn't even remember the fact the she has been seeing Dr Wilbur every day for an hour for a week. Not only so, in the film, Sybil are often alone and has no friends. Although not all 13 different personalities are clearly demonstrated, a few main personalities are quite obvious. There is Vickie, who knows the existence of all personality, tries to help and protect Sybil. She is always the one who keeps up the appointments with Dr Wilbur, and tells about other personalities. Then is Peggy who are fearful and angry most of the time, often exhausts herself out. All 13 personalities have their own dressing style, speak tone and pattern. Hence, it is obvious when they emerge. According to DSM-V, 70% of the patients with DID possess self-harm behavior or suicide thoughts. In the case of Sybil, she has an alter named Marcia who wants to kill herself. Furthermore, her other alters also clearly demonstrate the comorbid illness such as anxiety and depression.  

One of the main and common causes to DID is traumatic childhood. In the movie, it is also shown that Sybil experienced an overwhelming childhood with her mother who has paranoid schizophrenia. She was often abused, bullied and screamed at. Her mother would lock her in the wheat bin in the barn for no reason. Sometimes her mother would call her to her side just to trip Sybil down the stairs. These negative experiences have caused Sybil to have a very frightening perception towards her mother. Hence, when Dr Wilbur plays the recorder of Sybil's alter imitating her mother voice, Sybil has a great shock and regresses into an infant personality.

The treatment uses in this movie is very psychoanalytic. Dr Wilbur often uses Hypnosis in Sybil's treatment. This type of treatment is often used as patient with DID are highly hypnotized. Over the years, it is found that hypnosis can help patients to deal with other alters, face and acknowledge their past traumas, as well as achieve symptomatic relief. However, this treatment method is very controversial. Hypnosis is said to be when the brain is not fully thinking and can be an experience. When one is in this state, that person is highly suggestible. The therapist has the ability to make suggestion to the patients, resulting them to comply. This happens because the conscious part of the brain is not working at that moment. Therefore, it is often argued that patients might not have had the experience, but is rather prompt by the therapist.

Furthermore, this movie had also gained many more controversial issue. One obvious issue is that the role of therapist. As a therapist, one is expected to be professional and often neutral. In the film, Dr Wilbur mentions that she feels like a mother figure to Sybil. This emotion is not supposed to be felt from a therapist to the patient as it will lead to transference. Not only so, in the movie, we can see that Dr Wilbur goes to the extreme ends in treating Sybil. She would go to her old house, talks to her father without permission, take Sybil to picnic, offers her lunch, make sandwich for her and more. These actions have crossed the ethical boundaries between them.


This movie has given insight to many who are not familiar with Dissociative Identity Disorder. I feel that it really well-portrayed the illness. However, most of the students in our class (including me) find the movie too draggy. There are some parts that are not necessary. It is a very interesting movie but 3-hour is a bit too long. It makes the audience kinda lose the feeling of watching it. Despite that, I feel that the actress are really good. Especially the character Sybil, it is not easy to act out all different personalities. I am really amazed by her skills of acting. To conclude this, compared to all the movie I have watched in the Psychology of Film class, I would rate Sybil 7/10 for interesting level.

*All images do not belong to me and can be found in Google Images.