Predictors of nonpathological dissociation in Northern Ireland: the affects of trauma and exposure to political violence.
Recent work has identified an empirical distinction between pathological and nonpathological dissociation. This study examined the correlates of nonpathological dissociation in a Northern Irish sample. The Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Traumatic Experiences Checklist, the Guilt Inventory, and the General Health Questionnaire, as well as two open-ended questions assessing exposure to political violence were completed by 119 participants. Nonpathological dissociation was predicted by age, perceived impact of traumatic events, and adherence to moral standards. Moreover, dissociation was found to be significantly higher in those exposed directly to political violence and those experiencing childhood emotional abuse. Results are consistent with previous theoretical and empirical work and it is proposed that nonpathological dissociation is related to traumatic experience in Northern Ireland.
Dorahy
Martin J
MJ
School of Psychology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland. m.dorahy@qub.ac.uk
Lewis
Christopher Alan
CA
Millar
Robert G
RG
Gee
Travis L
TL
D000328:Adult; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011057:Politics; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence