The aim of the present study is thus to examine identity state-dependent cognitive avoidance in DID using a methodologically sophisticated design
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Dissociative disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Differential identity functioning indexed by several cognitive measures
(including memory indices and computer reaction times) and salivary free
cortisol and α-amylase.
Secondary outcome
not applicable
Background summary
Dissociative symptoms are regarded as a defense against anxiety. Many theories
of dissociation start from the premise that dissociative patients have the
ability to selectively avoid internally-generated or externally-presented
trauma-related information, labeled as the so-called cognitive avoidance
hypothesis (Cloitre 1992; Elzinga et al. 2000). Whether the avoidance of
trauma-related information is an intentional or automatic process is a matter
of disagreement, as is the question regarding at which stage of information
processing avoidance of traumatic material is accomplished.
Previous studies on cognitive avoidance and dissociation do not allow for a
clear evaluation of the cognitive avoidance hypothesis. Contrasting results may
in part be due to methodological shortcomings, that is, uncertainty about
characteristics of the tested identity in DID patients, the lack of simulating
control groups, and the use of non-clinical dissociators or few patients, which
calls for more systematic study.
The aim of the present study is thus to examine identity state-dependent
cognitive avoidance in DID using a methodologically sophisticated design. DID
patients will be tested in a trauma identity state and an avoidant identity
state. Overall, the cognitive avoidance hypothesis entails differential
identity-specific responding in DID, that is, with evidence of avoidant
responding in the so-called avoidant identity state and evidence of trauma
preoccupation in the so-called trauma state. To look at different stages of
information processing, several experimental tasks are proposed, including
memory tasks, an attentional task, and an approach-avoidance task.
Study objective
The aim of the present study is thus to examine identity state-dependent
cognitive avoidance in DID using a methodologically sophisticated design
Study design
Quasi-experimental design
Study burden and risks
Patients will be tested on 3 occasions at their treatment center. Non-clinical
control subjects will be tested on 3 occasions at the university laboratory.
They will perform cognitive computertasks, provide samples of saliva, and
complete several questionnaires.
Grote Kruisstraat 2/1
9712 TS Groningen
Nederland
Grote Kruisstraat 2/1
9712 TS Groningen
Nederland
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
dissociative identity disorder primary diagnosis according to DSM-IV criteria;posttraumatic stress disorder as primary diagnosis according to DSM-IV criteria;non-clinical controls: mean age and education level equal to patient groups
Exclusion criteria
psychiatric disorders in non-clinical controls
Design
Recruitment
Medical products/devices used
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL26423.042.09 |