Definition
Dissociation and trauma have a well-documented but complex relationship. Chronic or overwhelming trauma is a risk factor for durable dissociative patterns; not all dissociation, however, is trauma-caused.
Why it matters
This nuanced relationship must be held carefully. Overclaiming and underclaiming both harm.
The Science
Chronic childhood trauma is strongly associated with dissociative disorders. Adult-onset trauma can also produce dissociative symptoms. Genetic, temperamental, and other factors modulate risk.
The NSI Perspective
NSI holds trauma as one major cause of dissociation while resisting the assumption that dissociation always means trauma.
Clinical Implications
Trauma history should be gently explored when dissociation is prominent — without leading questions.
Practical Application
Dissociative patterns often make sense in the context of what your nervous system had to handle. That does not require any specific memory to be true.
References
- 1.Dalenberg CJ, Brand BL, Gleaves DH, et al. Evaluation of the evidence for the trauma and fantasy models of dissociation. Psychol Bull. 2012;138(3):550–588.