Evaluating Theory-Based Correlates of Dissociation: A Nomological Network Study

• Published in: Imagination, cognition and personality Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 5 - 28
• Main Authors: Polizzi, Craig P., Aksen, Damla E., Sleight, Fiona G., Lynn, Steven Jay
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: amnesia; depersonalization/derealization; absorption; dissociation
• ISSN: 0276-2366; 1541-4477
• DOI: 10.1177/02762366221143735

Informed by the transtheoretical/transdiagnostic model (TTM) of dissociation, we tested the nomological network of dissociation by evaluating the unique relations among dissociation and its facets (i.e., depersonalization, amnesia, absorption, taxon) with variables pertinent to competing dissociation theories (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, resilience, fantasy proneness, cognitive failures, sleep) while controlling for neuroticism, affect, and social desirability. Self-report measures were administered online to undergraduate students (N  =  352). We found robust relations among dissociation and sociocognitive variables (i.e., fantasy proneness, cognitive failures, thought control) and correlations among dissociation and trauma-related variables (e.g., PTSD symptoms, resilience). Variables relevant to different dissociation theories uniquely related to distinct dimensions of dissociation. We observed significant indirect effects on dissociation for sleep, cognitive failures, and fantasy proneness. Results support the sociocognitive and posttraumatic models of dissociation, thereby highlighting nuances in dissociation's nomological network and confirming the value of the TTM as an integrative model.