Psychophysiological and Psychological Correlates of Dissociation in a Case of Dissociative Identity Disorder

The aim of this study was to examine the psychological and psychophysiological mechanisms that underlie dissociative experiences in dissociative disorders. A four-stage, personalized guided imagery methodology was used to recreate the psychological and psychophysiological responses associated with two dissociative episodes experienced by a 25 year old, single female diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The responses to these two dissociative episodes were compared with a stressful experience and an emotionally neutral event. The results demonstrated a reduction in psychophysiological arousal associated with the experience of dissociation during times of intense distress accompanied by relevant alterations in psychological response. It was concluded that the experience of dissociation served to protect this individual from extreme distress and, therefore, functioned as a protective mechanism.