Trauma, Dissociation,and High-Risk Behaviors

Abstract

Implementing effective strategies to prevent high risk behaviors among at risk populations. Epidemiological studies and clinical findings have shown an association between trauma and dissociation; dissociative experiences are also more prevalent among select populations such as substance dependent individuals and criminal offenders. In the present non-systematic review, we explored the association between trauma, dissociation, and high-risk behaviors. We aimed to find if the presence of dissociative symptoms could lead us to better understand and recognize those who are prone to high-risk behaviors, among individuals exposed to psychological trauma. The present overview indicated a substantial relationship between dissociation and high-risk behaviors. We concluded that designing and establishing appropriate studies regarding the relationship between trauma, dissociation, and high-risk behaviors would enable health professionals to have a better understanding and recognition of people prone to high-risk behaviors, as well as implement more effective strategies to prevent high-risk behaviors among at-risk populations.

The Association of Problematic Internet Shopping with Dissociation among South Korean Internet Users

“…Lyssenko et al (2018) suggested that the experience of dissociation can induce stress itself because it not only disrupts neurocognitive functioning but can also be perceived as losing control [31]. Kianpoor and Bakhshani (2012) reported that dissociation related with high-risk behaviors such as violence, heavy drinking, the use of illicit drugs, and dangerous driving [62]. From a clinical perspective, this finding underlines the importance of careful evaluation of dissociation symptoms.…”

Life Stressors and Substance Abuse in African American Adolescents Residing in a Public Housing Community

“…It can be a single or a continuing event that threatens an individual and/or his or her family's safety and survival. Traumatic events include (1) abuse; (2) exposure to violence; (3) natural disaster; (4) war; (5) abandonment; (6) personal attack by another person or animal; (7) witnessing catastrophic accidents or violence to others; (8) becoming a victim of 290 O. D. TAYLOR kidnapping, rape, or torture; and (9) experiencing a medical procedure, accident, or serious illness (Moroz, 2005;Kianpoor & Bakhshani, 2012).…”

“…Contemporary youth are beset with an onslaught of distressing life events that threaten to compromise their mental health. Behavioral health data suggest mental health and substance abuse disorders often coexist (NIDA, 2012); therefore, adolescents experiencing trauma are at risk for developing a substance use disorder (SUD) and other types of disorders (i.e., dissociative disorder, borderline personality disorder, self-mutilation, violence; Kianpoor & Bakhshani, 2012) if their mental health issues are not addressed. Researchers discovered that youth who have been exposed to trauma are highly likely to develop anxiety disorders and to show a pattern of increased risky sexual behaviors.…”

Predicting Addiction Potential on the Basis of Early Traumatic Events, Dissociative Experiences, and Suicide Ideation

“…Based on Timko et al ( 10 ) research, violence and abuse survivors are often involved in various coping behaviors; SA is also a way of overcoming negative psychological effects of past experiences. Because, trauma affects many levels of functioning aspects such as somatic, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and characterlogical ( 11 ); those who experienced severe anxiety and depression states may be more vulnerable to alcohol and SA.…”