The Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS): Validation of the German Version
Y. Mertens, J. Daniels
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation November 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1989111 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 105 |
| Population | Trauma-exposed patients (81.9% female) assessed after a standard psychotherapy session |
| Measures | Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) |
| Key points | The German CADSS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .94) and high convergent validity, correlating r = .86 with self-reported state dissociation and r = .77 with trait dissociation. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure: Depersonalization/Derealization, Identity Confusion/Alteration, and Amnesia. The authors conclude the instrument is useful for assessing state dissociation as a multidimensional construct in clinical practice. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT The Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) is a structured clinical interview to assess state dissociation rated by clinicians. The current study aimed to validate the German version of CADSS by comparing it to the established self-report measures for dissociation and exploring its underlying factor structure. Severity of within-session state dissociation was assessed directly following a standard psychotherapy session in a trauma-exposed patient sample (N= 105; 81.9% female). Internal consistency, convergent validity with other dissociation measures, and the factorial structure of the instrument were analyzed. The German version exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .94) and correlated significantly with self-report measures of state dissociation (r = .86) and trait dissociation (r = .77) indicative of high convergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution with the factors (1) Depersonalization/Derealization, (2) Identity Confusion/Alteration, and (3) Amnesia. Results support the CADSS as a useful instrument to assess state dissociation, conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, in clinical practice.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Effects of a dissociative drug on fronto-limbic resting-state functional connectivity in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology October 23, 2023
- How-To Study Dissociative Symptoms in a Broad Range of Mental Disorders: A Methodological Primer Journal of Trauma & Dissociation April 7, 2025
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