Escape from Trauma: Dissociation and Development of Identity

Dissociation may be thought of simply as disconnection or disruption. In terms of posttraumatic stress disorder, we talk about dissociation as a disruption in four different areas of functioning: identity, memory, consciousness, self-awareness, and awareness of surroundings. In understanding the human response to trauma, it is thought that dissociation is a central defense mechanism because it provides a method of escape 1. When physical escape is impossible, dissociation provides a type of mental escape. Those who experience dissociation may notice lapses in memory of certain time periods or events. Personal information can also be forgotten. They may also experience a sense of disconnection and detachment from themselves and their emotions. A blurred sense of identity is also common. Compartmentalization is another form of escape from trauma. Compartmentalization occurs when aspects of psychological functioning are not linked together. Opposing views or behaviors can be held separate in order to avoid uncomfortable feelings when one has conflicting values, beliefs, and emotions 2. Depersonalization refers to the feeling of being detached from one’s own life. Some describe it as the feeling of living in a dream or experiencing the sensation of watching events in their life as if it were a movie. Every form of dissociation is a coping mechanism. Disengaging or separating from ourselves and the situation can prevent us from experiencing too much pain, either physical or ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Dissociative disorders PTSD Trauma compartmentalization Depersonalization Dissociation Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Traumatic Experience Source Type: news