Identifying dissociative identity disorder: a self-report and projective study.
J C Scroppo, S L Drob, J L Weinberger, P Eagle
Journal of Abnormal Psychology May 1998 DOI: 10.1037//0021-843x.107.2.272 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case-control comparison Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 42 |
| Population | 21 female adult psychiatric patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and 21 female adult nondissociative psychiatric patients |
| Measures | Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Tellegen Absorption Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, Rorschach test |
| Key findings | Women with dissociative identity disorder reported earlier and more severe childhood trauma, more dissociative symptoms, and a greater propensity for altered states of consciousness than nondissociative psychiatric patients. They also showed more projective and imaginative activity, diminished integration of mental contents, a complex and driven cognitive style, and a highly unconventional view of reality. |
Abstract
This study compared 21 female adult psychiatric patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) with 21 female adult nondissociative psychiatric patients to determine whether DID patients exhibit a distinguishing set of clinical features, and perceptual, attentional, and cognitive processes. Participants were assessed with the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule to assess diagnostic status. Group scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale, Tellegen Absorption Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Rorschach test were compared. DID participants reported earlier and more severe childhood trauma, more dissociative symptoms, and a greater propensity for altered states of consciousness. The DID participants also exhibited increased projective and imaginative activity, a diminished ability to integrate mental contents, a complex and driven cognitive style, and a highly unconventional view of reality.