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Published on: March 8, 2018
A cognitive model of peritraumatic dissociation
1Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. lenora@unswalumni.com
Psychology and Psychotherapy
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Peritraumatic dissociation involves perceptual problems affecting attention and time perception. Interacting cognitive subsystems (ICS) framework explains these symptoms as sensory processing and feature binding issues, suggesting mindful attention for trauma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peritraumatic dissociation is a significant response to trauma.
- Understanding its cognitive underpinnings is crucial for effective intervention.
- Existing frameworks may not fully capture the perceptual aspects of dissociation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) framework.
- To understand the impact of perceptual problems in peritraumatic dissociation.
- To analyze specific dissociative symptoms like altered attention and time perception.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of peritraumatic dissociation symptoms: attention to stimuli and time distortion.
- Description and application of the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) model.
- Examination of information processing within peritraumatic dissociation.
Main Results:
- Peritraumatic dissociative symptoms are linked to difficulties in early sensory information processing.
- These symptoms arise from issues with sensory feature binding.
- The ICS framework provides a model for these perceptual disruptions.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual problems in peritraumatic dissociation are related to sensory feature binding deficits.
- Fragmented memories in trauma can be understood within the ICS framework.
- Mindful attention may play a therapeutic role in addressing these dissociative experiences.
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