The Effects of Dissociation on Analogue Trauma Symptoms After Trauma Processing Among Women With Varying Histories of Lifespan Victimization.
Autor: Valdez, Christine E.; Lilly, Michelle M.
Publication year: 2021
Journal of interpersonal violence
issn:1552-6518 0886-2605
doi: 10.1177/0886260519829273
Abstract:
Research has identified two subtypes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); the traditional form that includes hyperarousal reactions, and the other involving ongoing dissociation. Dissociation has been reflected in the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD with the dissociative specification focused on the experience of high levels of depersonalization and/or derealization. PTSD that presents with ongoing dissociation appears to characterize complex cases of PTSD for individuals exposed to protracted trauma. Yet, our understanding of the role of dissociation in relation to PTSD symptoms is limited with inconsistent empirical findings. This study aims to elucidate the complex associations between trauma, dissociation, and trauma-relevant symptomatology. In total, 60 female interpersonal trauma survivors completed baseline measures of trauma and dissociation, and at least a week later, they completed self-report measures of state trauma intrusions, guilt, and anxiety before and after participating in a trauma recall task to examine dissociative tendencies on analogue trauma-related symptoms. After data collection, participants were categorized into two groups; individuals with multiple forms of lifetime interpersonal trauma versus individuals with trauma isolated to single-type trauma in childhood and/or adulthood. Results revealed trauma intrusions, guilt, and anxiety increased after trauma recall overall, though trauma groups differed in the manifestation of these outcomes. In addition, less depersonalization and greater derealization predicted increases in anxiety overall, though this only remained true for those exposed to multiple-type lifespan traumas. Results reveal dissociative tendencies may be most relevant in the processing of trauma-related material for those exposed to multiple types of trauma throughout the lifespan. Implications for treatment of trauma survivors with different clinical presentations are discussed.
Language: eng
Rights:
Pmid: 30755125
Tags: Humans; Female; Adult; PTSD; domestic violence; Dissociative Disorders; *Crime Victims; child abuse; mental health and violence; *Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Survivors; Longevity
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30755125/
