The Dissociative Process: Expanding the Conceptualization and Clinical Implications
Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Peter Buirski
Second Advisor
Jennifer Cornish
Third Advisor
William Menaker
Keywords
Regulation, Dissociative process, Affect states, Psychotherapy
Abstract
Dissociation is a response to an overwhelming event where the integration of present experience is disrupted. Traditionally, the physiological mechanism behind this failed integration has been linked to the hypoaroused, parasympathetic-dominant freeze state. In this paper, I argue that the traditional conceptualization of dissociation is too narrow in its frame of reference. Relying on recent developments in the fields of clinical neuroscience and relational psychoanalysis, I propose an expanded conceptualization of dissociation, referred to as the dissociative process, which is not limited to a specific state of arousal. Rather, the dissociative process is conceptualized as any failure to integrate aspects of present experience due to a dysregulating affect state. According to this conceptualization, the dissociative process occurs due to the inability to regulate states of hyper- or hypoarousal resulting in the neglect and/or distortion of present experience. The paper is presented in three main sections. First, recent literature is reviewed in order to demonstrate that the dissociative process is the byproduct of dysregulating affect states that consequently interfere with successful integration of present experience. Second, the clinical implications are discussed. Third, a clinical vignette is presented to illustrate how the dissociative process can be observed and addressed in-session.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
24 pgs
Recommended Citation
McLaughlin, Joshua, "The Dissociative Process: Expanding the Conceptualization and Clinical Implications" (2020). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 373.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/373