Development of dissociation: examining the relationship between parenting, maternal trauma and child dissociation

While many studies have demonstrated relationships between trauma and dissociation, relatively little is known about other factors that may increase children's risk for developing dissociative symptoms. Drawing on betrayal trauma theory and Discrete Behavioral States frameworks, the current study examined the contributions of maternal factors (including mothers' dissociation, betrayal trauma experiences, and inconsistent parenting) to children's dissociation. Seventy-two mother-child dyads completed self-report questionnaires. Maternal dissociation was found to relate positively to maternal betrayal trauma history. Additionally, both mothers' and children's betrayal trauma history were found to significantly predict children's dissociation. Implications for the intergenerational transmission of betrayal trauma and dissociation are discussed.