Glossary D
Glossary D
Dissociation refers to an altered state of consciousness in which the individual feels detached from the body or self. This process may be voluntary or involuntary, and can be adaptive when resistance or escape from a life threatening situation is not possible.
Deutsch: Dissoziationstheorie / Español: teoría de la disociación / Português: teoria da dissociação / Français: théorie de la dissociation / Italiano: teoria della dissociazione
Dissociation theory in psychology refers to the idea that some mental processes, which are normally integrated, can become disconnected or compartmentalised from one another. This is often an adaptive, but ultimately unhelpful, defence mechanism used by individuals to cope with overwhelming trauma or extreme stress, particularly in childhood. The theory posits that the mind's ability to create a sense of coherent identity, memory, consciousness, and perception can be disrupted, leading to a disconnection from reality, self, or personal experiences. While mild, non-pathological forms of dissociation are common—such as daydreaming or becoming so absorbed in a task that one loses track of time—the theory primarily addresses the more severe and chronic forms that underpin dissociative disorders. These conditions, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Dissociative Amnesia, are seen as the result of a failure to integrate a cohesive sense of self due to repeated or severe traumatic experiences, with the mind essentially "splitting" off parts of the personality or memories to protect itself from unbearable emotional pain.
Dissociative disorder refers to mental disorders characterized by a sudden temporary alteration in consciousness, identity, or motor behavior.
Dissociative Disorders is defined as a mental disorders characterized by a sudden temporary alteration in consciousness, identity, or motor behavior.
Dissociative Fugue refers to a dissociative disorder in which a person, confused about personal identity, suddenly and unexpectedly travels to another place and is unable to recall past history or identity.