The Relationship between Childhood  Maltreatment, Different Types of  Dissociation, and PTSD

Introduction: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a highly prevalent issue in our society that includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. CM can lead to various negative consequences, such as dissociation. Known subtypes are amnestic dissociation, absorption and depersonalization/derealization. There is ample empirical evidence supporting sexual and physical abuse leading to dissociation, but rarely do studies focus on all facets of the variables. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the different types of CM and dissociation taking post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mediator into account. Methods: Using an online self-report survey, CM, dissociation and PTSD were assessed cross-sectionally among a sample recruited on online platforms for domestic violence via Leiden University (N=432). Obtained data were analyzed by performing a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and mediation analysis (PROCESS macro)....Show moreIntroduction: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a highly prevalent issue in our society that includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. CM can lead to various negative consequences, such as dissociation. Known subtypes are amnestic dissociation, absorption and depersonalization/derealization. There is ample empirical evidence supporting sexual and physical abuse leading to dissociation, but rarely do studies focus on all facets of the variables. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the different types of CM and dissociation taking post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mediator into account. Methods: Using an online self-report survey, CM, dissociation and PTSD were assessed cross-sectionally among a sample recruited on online platforms for domestic violence via Leiden University (N=432). Obtained data were analyzed by performing a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and mediation analysis (PROCESS macro). Results: The results support the notion to use all subscales of both variables, as sexual abuse and physical neglect were significantly associated with amnestic dissociation, while sexual abuse, physical neglect and emotional abuse were significant predictors of derealization/depersonalization; physical neglect had a significant relationship with absorption. PTSD was a significant mediator but it did not fully explain the link between CM and dissociation. Discussion: Future studies should focus on using clinical samples and longitudinal designs to gain deeper knowledge into therapeutic implications. Integrating the findings of our paper is an important step to better understand the types of CM, dissociation and the importance of PTSD.Show less

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The Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment, Different Types of Dissociation, and PTSD