Dissociative tendencies and the sitting duck: are self-reports of dissociation and victimization symptomatic of neuroticism?
Previous research has shown dissociative tendencies are related to a reported history of childhood abuse. A recent study by Johnson, Edman, and Danko (1995) suggested, however, that dissociation may be associated with a more general tendency to recall and report negative life experiences. Johnson and colleagues hypothesized that the relationship between dissociation and self-reported victimization stems from their shared origin as neurotic symptoms. In a test of this hypothesis, Australian adults (N = 92) were administered the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief, the Bad Things Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between dissociation and self-reported victimization even after the contribution of neuroticism had been removed. Schizotypy also was found to be a predictor of dissociative tendencies. The hypothesis of Johnson and colleagues was rejected. The findings are discussed in relation to traumagenic models of dissociation.
Irwin
H J
HJ
Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale NSW, Australia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012649:Self Concept