Acute peritraumatic dissociation: in favor of a phenomenological inquiry.

Dissociation during trauma is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder, yet its fundamental aspects remain poorly understood. This article argues that applying the phenomenological structure of time and the phenomenological description of the self—including the minimal self, sense of ownership, sense of agency, and sense of self—can improve understanding of dissociation during trauma, both at its occurrence and in any ensuing symptoms. The phenomenological approach, which focuses on the bodily level of experience, particularly the body as experienced from within, enables deeper insight into the traumatic experience. This improved understanding may facilitate the development of better treatments.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Fundamental aspects of trauma--among them dissociation during trauma, which is considered one of the strongest predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder-are not fully understood. This article argues that the application of the phenomenological structure of time and the phenomenological description of the self (minimal self, sense of ownership, sense of agency, sense of self) to dissociation during trauma can improve our understanding of this phenomenon-at its occurrence and during any possible ensuing symptoms. In addition, it is argued that the phenomenological approach, as a method that focuses on the bodily level of experience, in particular the body as it is experienced from within, enables us to penetrate the traumatic experience. Thus, by applying the phenomenological approach we may be able to improve our understanding of the traumatic experience and enable the development of better treatment.