Dispositional Traits, Characteristic Adaptations, and Narrative Identity Reconstructions in Individuals With...

Depersonalization and derealization disorder (DPDR) is a debilitating condition. To date, little was known about the role of personality structure and of perceived social support and loneliness in DPDR.

Three studies investigated, respectively: (i) broadband personality traits (five-factor model), maladaptive trait domains (PID-5), and perceived support and loneliness in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 160) versus a general population sample (N = 303), using network modeling; (ii) structure and interconnectivity of personality, perceived support and loneliness, and DPDR traits (frequency/duration) in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 160); (iii) characteristic adaptations and narrative identities in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 19), using thematic analysis.

Study 1 found between-samples differences across several traits, especially psychoticism and negative affect. Differences in networks' global centrality, but not structures or edges, were also found. The graphical model in Study 2 showed a community of dissociative tendencies including DPDR traits and psychoticism. Study 3 highlighted the development of DPDR as a key life transition for those experiencing it, with narratives focusing on feelings of poor agency, isolation, and a disrupted sense of self.

Individual differences in personality characterize DPDR, especially in psychoticism. Implications for theory and research are discussed.