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Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Cognitive processes in dissociation: comment on Giesbrecht et al. (2008)
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30306, USA. jdbremn@emory.edu
Psychological Bulletin
|January 13, 2010
Summary
This commentary rebuts the challenge to trauma theory in dissociation. It argues that the proposed links between cognitive factors and dissociation do not invalidate the association between trauma and dissociative symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The trauma theory of dissociation posits that traumatic stress causes dissociative symptoms.
- A recent review challenged this theory by linking cognitive factors like fantasy proneness and suggestibility to dissociation.
Discussion:
- This commentary critically reviews and rebuts the challenge to the trauma theory of dissociation.
- It argues that the constructs cited by Giesbrecht et al. are not necessarily unrelated to dissociation.
- The authors assert that the literature does not support the conclusion that trauma and dissociation are unassociated.
Key Insights:
- The established association between trauma and dissociation remains valid.
- The cognitive factors discussed do not negate the role of trauma in dissociative disorders.
- Further examination of the literature is needed to fully understand these relationships.
Outlook:
- Continued research is essential to clarify the complex interplay between trauma, cognitive processes, and dissociation.
- This debate highlights the need for nuanced theoretical models in understanding dissociative phenomena.
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