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Updated: Jun 22, 2025
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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
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Dissociative Experiences Among Transgender Women: A Phenomenological Study
Erika Sigurdsson1, Etzel Cardeña1
1Department of Psychology, Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology (CERCAP), Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Summary
This study explored dissociative experiences in transgender individuals, finding many felt disconnected from their bodies and emotions. Hormone therapy appeared to reduce these dissociative episodes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Transgender Health
- Dissociative Disorders
Background:
- Limited qualitative research exists on dissociative experiences in transgender populations.
- Understanding dissociation in transgender individuals is crucial for mental health support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore the nature of dissociative experiences among transgender people, with a focus on trans women.
- To investigate the potential relationship between dissociation and negative emotions in this group.
- To examine the impact of hormone therapy on dissociative experiences.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in-depth, open-ended interviews with seven transgender participants (6 trans women, 1 trans man).
- Explored participants' subjective experiences of dissociation.
- Analyzed interview data to identify common themes and patterns.
Main Results:
- Participants commonly reported feeling disconnected from their bodies, the world, and themselves.
- Emotional numbness was a frequent characteristic of dissociative episodes.
- Dissociation appeared to lessen for six participants after initiating hormone therapy.
- Participants distinguished between distressing dysphoric experiences and emotionally numb dissociative experiences.
Conclusions:
- Dissociative experiences are a significant, though under-researched, aspect of the transgender experience.
- Hormone therapy may play a role in mitigating dissociation for some transgender individuals.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between gender identity, dissociation, and emotional well-being.
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