Temporal depth in a coherent self and in depersonalization: theoretical model

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Dynamical Systems Theory

Background:

• Numerous theoretical models of dissociative experiences exist.
• Clinical utility of these models is established, but common underlying factors remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for an integrated, dynamical model of dissociative experiences.
• To identify a potential common factor across diverse dissociative episodes.

Main Methods:

• Integration of first-principles, nonlinear dynamical systems, clinical, and neurobiological perspectives.
• Introduction of the concept of "temporal depth" as a key parameter.

Main Results:

• A substantial change in "temporal depth" is proposed as a common factor in dissociative episodes.
• This change in temporal depth is hypothesized to have causal power in the onset of dissociations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a unified dynamical model for understanding dissociative experiences.
• Temporal depth collapse may be a universal mechanism underlying various forms of dissociation.