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Published on: March 8, 2018
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Dissociation as a Distinct Peritraumatic Coping Response: A Preliminary Analysis.
Natalia M Kecala1, Brittany F Goodman1, Michael G Griffin1
1Center for Trauma Recovery, University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL), Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Summary
Dissociation is a distinct peritraumatic coping response, separate from passive coping. Passive coping strategies, not dissociation, were linked to increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Stress Response
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research identifies "nonresponders" with suppressed physiological reactions to trauma cues.
- The defense cascade model suggests nonresponders exhibit a shutdown response to stressors.
- The distinct role of dissociation as a peritraumatic coping mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between passive coping and dissociation as distinct peritraumatic responses.
- To compare a two-factor (active, passive) versus a three-factor (active, passive, dissociative) model of defensive responding.
- To investigate the relationship between peritraumatic coping strategies and subsequent PTSD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to analyze peritraumatic reactions.
- Eighty-nine female survivors of physical and sexual assault reported reactions within one month of assault.
- Models were compared to determine the best fit for defensive responding categories.
Main Results:
- A three-factor model (active, passive, dissociative) provided a superior fit, supporting dissociation as a distinct response.
- Both passive and dissociative coping were associated with continued passive coping and increased PTSD symptoms.
- Passive peritraumatic coping was a stronger predictor of PTSD symptoms than dissociation.
- Depression covariate removed the link between passive coping and PTSD severity, but not dissociative coping.
- Active coping was not significantly associated with outcomes, emphasizing the importance of shutdown responses.
Conclusions:
- Dissociation represents a distinct category of peritraumatic coping, separate from passive responses.
- Passive peritraumatic coping is a significant predictor of PTSD symptom severity, even more so than dissociation.
- Future research should focus on differentiating peritraumatic coping mechanisms and the understudied area of passive coping.
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