How-to study dissociative symptoms: A methodological primer
Sarah K. Danböck, Yoki L. Mertens, Patricia Kulla, Katja Isabell Seitz, Inga Schalinski
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
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| Key findings | The authors argue that dissociation is a transdiagnostic phenomenon whose empirical literature remains inconclusive in areas such as neurobiological correlates and treatment effects, partly due to methodological heterogeneity and limitations. They propose that critically comparing and harmonizing methods for assessing dissociation, provoking it in the laboratory, and selecting and characterizing samples will raise research standards and improve understanding of dissociative psychopathology. |
Abstract
Dissociation constitutes a transdiagnostic phenomenon not only characterizing dissociative disorders but also occurring across a broad range of psychiatric disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, and psychosis. In the latter disorders, moderate types of dissociative symptomatology like depersonalization, derealization, or gaps in awareness significantly burden patients’ wellbeing and functioning. Many efforts have been undertaken to better understand these debilitating symptoms. However, empirical findings have not yet converged in many areas (e.g., considering neurobiological correlates or effects of dissociative psychopathology on treatment outcome), which might partially be due to the heterogeneity and limitations of employed methodology. Here, we critically review the current state-of-the-art methodology in dissociation research, comparing methods to assess dissociation, provoke dissociation in the laboratory, select the participant sample, and consider critical sample characteristics. Discussing the informative value and limits of various standard and novel methodological approaches, we aim to provide information and nuanced guidance for future research. By these means we aim to raise and harmonize standards in dissociation research and enable researchers of all career stages to enter, navigate, and make a significant and lasting contribution to dissociation research, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of dissociative psychopathology.