How-To Study Dissociative Symptoms in a Broad Range of Mental Disorders: A Methodological Primer
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation April 7, 2025 Sarah K. Danböck, Yoki L. Mertens, Patricia Kulla et al. 3 citations
Dissociative symptoms—such as depersonalization, derealization, or gaps in awareness—occur across many mental disorders, not only dissociative disorders but also posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, where they significantly impair wellbeing and functioning. Despite extensive research, empirical findings on neurobiological correlates and treatment-outcome effects remain inconsistent, partly due to methodological heterogeneity and limitations. This critical review evaluates current methods for assessing and provoking dissociative symptoms in the laboratory, selecting participant samples, and considering key sample characteristics. It discusses the strengths and limits of standard and novel approaches, aiming to raise and harmonize research standards and guide future studies toward a better understanding of dissociative psychopathology.