The activation of shame following dissociation in the context of relationships: A vignette study

Studies show experiences of negative affective states, such as shame, elevate dissociation. Using vignettes, this study aimed to investigate the reverse, whether experiences of dissociation in the context of varied interpersonal relationships elevate shame.

269 adults completed online questionnaires (Dissociative Experiences Scale; Experiences of Shame Scale) and were randomly allocated to vignettes describing either dissociation or sadness in three different relationship contexts: (1) with an acquaintance, (2) with a close friend, or (3) when alone. Participants then completed six single-item questions assessing discrete emotions, a five-item adaptation of the State Shame and Guilt Scale, and 8 items measuring behavioural responses to shame.

Elevations of shame were evident when dissociation occurred in the presence of a close friend, but not in other contexts. Participants reported a greater inclination to stay with a close friend and discuss their experience of dissociation and sadness.

Limitations of this study are that a non-clinical sample was used and that dissociative experiences were not induced experientially.

Results did not suggest that shame is a generic reaction to experiences of dissociation or to specific relationship contexts. Rather, shame was uniquely evoked when dissociation occurred with a close friend. These findings suggest there is a contextualized bi-directional relationship between dissociation and shame, whereby shame appears to activate dissociation, and dissociation in the context of a close other seems to evoke shame. Knowledge about the activation of shame in response to dissociation may assist therapists in educating their clients about this connection.