[Screening and Measurement of Change of Dissociative Psychopathology: Psychometric Properties of the Short Version of the Fragebogen zu Dissoziativen Symptomen (FDS-20)].
Given the clinical and scientific relevance of dissociative experiences our study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a short version of the German Dissociative Experience Scale (called FDS-20) as well as its ability to measure changes in dissociation. In a large sample (N = 1289) the FDS- 20 showed good internal consistency. A factor analysis indicated that the scale measures one single factor reflecting the general degree of dissociative psychopathology. Between-group-comparisons suggested a good discriminant validity between high and low dissociators; however, due to high standard deviations the FDS-20 is not well suited for an individual diagnosis and therefore, it should be used as a screening device. Low effect sizes (d < 0,3) between scores at the beginning and the end of inpatient treatment as well as low micro -indices pointed to a temporal stable construct and a trait scale, respectively. Alternatively to group comparisons, individual parameters of treatment success (statistical and clinical significance) were calculated. They proved to be more appropriate in measuring changes in dissociation.
Spitzer
Carsten
C
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald im Klinikum der Hansestadt Stralsund. spitzer@mail.uni-greifswald.de
Mestel
Robert
R
Klingelhöfer
Jürgen
J
Gänsicke
Michael
M
Freyberger
Harald J
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results