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. © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Research Group:	Psychology
Research Field:	Biological Psychology (Neuropsychology, Psychopharmacology, Physiological Psychology)
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health)
Objective Field:	Mental Health
Author:	Williams, CL (Dr Christopher Williams)
Author:	Haines, J (Dr Janet Haines)
Author:	Sale, IM (Dr Ian Sale)
ID Code:	26414
Year Published:	2003
Deposited By:	Psychology
Deposited On:	2003-08-01
Last Modified:	2004-06-21
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