Validation of a French version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale in a rape-victim population.
OBJECTIVE
To appreciate the extent and the features of dissociation in a hypothesized highly dissociated population, rape trauma victims, while assessing construct validity and internal consistency of a French version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), a simple screening instrument for dissociative symptoms.


METHODS
One hundred and forty rape victims (mean age 23.6 years, 9% male) consecutively attending a Consultation for Victims of Psychological Trauma at the university hospital in Tours, France, were assessed through a French version of the 28-item self-rated DES.


RESULTS
The mean score (24.1) was high, and 33% of the scores exceeded a threshold set at 30. The Principal Components Analysis of the DES ratings yielded a 3-factor solution: depersonalization-derealization, amnestic fragmentation of identity, and absorption-imaginative involvement. DES reliability was studied through computation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.94).


CONCLUSIONS
During validation of a French version of the DES, the study showed that dissociation is considerably linked to rape-trauma victim populations.
Darves-Bornoz
J M
JM
Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, Hôpital Universitaire, Tours, France. darves-bornoz@wanadoo.fr
Degiovanni
A
A
Gaillard
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000592:standards*; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D014175:Translating