Temporal Stability of Dissociative Symptoms in the General Population

Author(s)

Maraldi, Everton de Oliveira ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Pontifical Catholic Univ Sao Paulo, Rua Minist Godoy 969, 4 Andar, Sala 4E-09, BR-05015901 Perdizes, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF NERVOUS AND MENTAL DISEASE; v. 210, n. 1, p. 68-70, JAN 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The most widely used measure to quantify dissociative symptoms is the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). However, little information is available concerning its temporal stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the stability of DES scores after 4 years. A total of 316 respondents recruited from a general population in Brazil took part in baseline and follow-up (70.57% were men; mean age = 32.97, SD = 10.95, minimum = 22, maximum = 74). Temporal stability was assessed through test-retest correlations and mean-level stability analyses. We found that the DES total and subscale scores revealed moderate test-retest correlations, with small variations among the DES factors. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between average scores for times 1 and 2. Overall, DES scores are significantly stable over time. Future studies would benefit from an investigation of the correlates and predictors of dissociation at different time points. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/05255-2 - Temporal stability and contextual effects in measures of dissociation and trauma: the role of belief and persuasion
• Grantee: Everton de Oliveira Maraldi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral