Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon characterized by an alteration of an individual’s sense of identity, memory, and perception of reality. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, which can include depersonalization, derealization, dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder (DID) (Sar, 2014). Dissociation is a defense mechanism that can be used in response to overwhelming stress, trauma, and/or abuse (Spiegel, 2014).
Dissociation is a complex concept that can be difficult to understand and measure. To date, the most commonly used method to assess dissociation is the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) (Sar, 2014). The DES is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure dissociative experiences in the general population, and includes 28 items that measure the frequency and intensity of dissociation (Van IJzendoorn, 1995). The DES has been found to be reliable and valid, and is widely used to assess dissociation in individuals (Sar, 2014).
Individuals who experience dissociation often have difficulty regulating emotions (Spiegel, 2014). This difficulty is thought to be linked to the fact that dissociation can disrupt the brain’s ability to process information and provide an appropriate emotional response (Spiegel, 2014). As a result, individuals who dissociate may respond to situations in an inappropriate manner, such as feeling numb or detached (Spiegel, 2014).
Dissociation has been linked to a number of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Spiegel, 2014). Individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse are particularly vulnerable to developing dissociative symptoms (Spiegel, 2014). Furthermore, individuals with DID tend to have a history of significant trauma or abuse (Sar, 2014).
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for dissociation and related disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapy for individuals with dissociative disorders (Sar, 2014). CBT helps individuals to identify and understand their dissociative symptoms, and to learn strategies to cope with and manage them (Sar, 2014). Other treatments, such as psychodynamic therapy and hypnosis, may also be helpful in managing dissociation (Sar, 2014).
In conclusion, dissociation is a psychological phenomenon characterized by an alteration of an individual’s sense of identity, memory, and perception of reality. It is often used as a defense mechanism in response to overwhelming stress, trauma, and/or abuse. Dissociation has been linked to a number of mental health issues, and can be effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and other therapies.
References
Sar, V. (2014). Dissociative disorders: DSM-5 and beyond. Current Psychiatry Reports, 16(9), 474. doi:10.1007/s11920-014-0474-y
Spiegel, D. (2014). Dissociation and the dissociative disorders: DSM-V and beyond. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 37(3), 617-632. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2014.04.002
Van IJzendoorn, M.H. (1995). Adult Attachment Scales: A methodological review. Social Behavior and Personality, 23(3), 25-35. doi:10.2224/sbp.1995.23.3.25