Corbett H. Thigpen

Corbett H. Thigpen (1919-1999) was an American psychiatrist and author best known for co-writing the book "The Three Faces of Eve" in 1957, which detailed the treatment of a patient with multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder). The book was based on his clinical work with patient Chris Costner Sizemore and was co-authored with his colleague Hervey M. Cleckley. Thigpen practiced psychiatry in Augusta, Georgia, and served as a faculty member at the Medical College of Georgia. His work with the Eve case began in 1951 and continued through several years of treatment, during which he documented the emergence and interaction of three distinct personalities in his patient. The success of "The Three Faces of Eve" led to a 1957 film adaptation starring Joanne Woodward, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Eve. The book and film significantly influenced public understanding of multiple personality disorder and brought widespread attention to this psychiatric condition. Thigpen continued his psychiatric practice and academic work after the publication of "The Three Faces of Eve," though he remained primarily associated with this singular case throughout his career. His documentation of Eve's case continues to be referenced in psychiatric literature and discussions of dissociative identity disorder.

Readers focus primarily on "The Three Faces of Eve," which remains Thigpen's defining work. The book holds a 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads from over 3,000 ratings. Readers appreciate: - Clear, clinical writing style that documents the case - Historical significance in mental health treatment - Detailed observations of therapy sessions - Professional approach to complex psychological subject matter Common criticisms: - Writing can feel dated and overly technical - Some readers find the tone detached and clinical - Questions about accuracy after patient Chris Sizemore later published her own accounts - Limited exploration of trauma causes On Amazon, the book maintains a 4.4/5 rating across 300+ reviews. Multiple readers note the book's role in early documentation of multiple personality disorder, though some suggest reading Sizemore's later works for a more complete perspective. Several reviewers mention the book feels "incomplete" compared to modern understanding of the condition.

The Three Faces of Eve (1957) A clinical case study co-authored with Hervey M. Cleckley documenting the treatment of Chris Costner Sizemore, a woman diagnosed with multiple personality disorder.

The Psychopath: Theory and Research (1968) An academic examination of psychopathic behavior and personality, co-authored with Hervey M. Cleckley, exploring diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.

Clinical Psychiatry (1954) A medical textbook co-authored with multiple contributors covering fundamental concepts and practices in psychiatric treatment.

Consequences and Prognosis in Schizophrenia (1968) A research-focused examination of long-term outcomes and treatment efficacy for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

A Study of Young Criminals (1955) An analysis of juvenile delinquency patterns and psychological factors contributing to youth crime.

Robert Jay Lifton documented cases of thought reform and psychological manipulation through interviews with former prisoners. His work on personality changes under extreme circumstances parallels Thigpen's interest in multiple personalities.

Milton Erickson pioneered approaches in hypnotherapy and treated patients with dissociative disorders. His case studies of personality transformation and psychological healing share common ground with Thigpen's clinical observations.

Herbert Spiegel developed methods for treating dissociative conditions and wrote extensively about hypnosis in psychiatric treatment. His research on the relationship between trauma and personality splitting connects to themes in Thigpen's work.

Ralph Allison specialized in treating multiple personality disorder and documented numerous cases throughout his career. His clinical reports of personality fragmentation and integration reflect similar phenomena to those Thigpen described.

Eugene Bliss studied dissociative reactions and published detailed accounts of patients with multiple personalities. His systematic documentation of identity alteration in clinical settings follows the same methodological approach as Thigpen's case studies.