Influence of posttraumatic stress reaction and posttraumatic cognition on dissociative experiences according to the nature of traumatic experiences: A survey on Japanese young adults.

Abstract

Objectives: Although the relationship between dissociation and traumatic experiences has been debated, many studies focus on the context of traumatic experiences. Alternatively, basic research that examines the relationship of symptoms of posttraumatic experiences and cognitive characteristics of dissociation as an individual difference among experiencers has been lacking. To address this research gap, this study examines the influence of posttraumatic symptoms and cognition on dissociative experiences given the nature of traumatic experiences. Method: This study administered the Events Checklist, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Japanese version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory to 1,036 Japanese adolescents. It investigated differences in dissociative experiences according to the presence of and cumulative traumatic experiences. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of sex and the nature of traumatic experiences, posttraumatic symptoms (IES-R), and cognition on dissociative experiences. Results: The results demonstrated no differences in DES based on the number of traumatic experiences. Moreover, this study observed the impact of cognition in posttraumatic experience on dissociation. Conclusions: This study provides essential data on the distribution of dissociative experiences among Japanese adolescents with traumatic experiences and exposure to adversity. Finally, it highlights the importance of focusing on posttraumatic cognitive characteristics, particularly negative self-perception, and discusses the implications to enhance understanding of dissociative experiences. Clinical Impact StatementIn Japan, approximately 60% of young people have some history of traumatic experiences. Of these, those caused by natural disasters are the most common and should be kept in mind. This study raises the importance of "negative cognitions" as an individual predisposition that influences dissociation rather than factors on the traumatic experience side, such as the accumulation and nature (e.g., lethality) of traumatic experiences. Approaching the self-blame and negative perceptions of self that are found in trauma survivors may be an important attempt at preventing increased dissociative symptoms and in trauma treatment.