The impact of acute dissociation on Emotional Working Memory task  performance in association with Borderline Personality Disorder features and  childhood trauma

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute dissociation on an emotional working memory task in a sample who reported dissociation. This study also aimed to examine the moderating role of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features and childhood trauma as a possible confounder. Methods: Eighty-nine participants with a wide spectrum of BPD features were recruited online via international mental health platforms and the website of Leiden University. Data was gathered via an online survey. Participants completed the Borderline Feature Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Dissociation Stress Scale 4 and they participated in an Emotional Working Memory Task. Results: Participants who experienced more severe acute dissociation showed better performance regarding the accuracy of their answers. However, dissociation was not related to reaction times. No moderating role of BPD features was found, probably due to floor effects and lack of power....Show moreBackground: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute dissociation on an emotional working memory task in a sample who reported dissociation. This study also aimed to examine the moderating role of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features and childhood trauma as a possible confounder. Methods: Eighty-nine participants with a wide spectrum of BPD features were recruited online via international mental health platforms and the website of Leiden University. Data was gathered via an online survey. Participants completed the Borderline Feature Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Dissociation Stress Scale 4 and they participated in an Emotional Working Memory Task. Results: Participants who experienced more severe acute dissociation showed better performance regarding the accuracy of their answers. However, dissociation was not related to reaction times. No moderating role of BPD features was found, probably due to floor effects and lack of power. Finally, it was found that when childhood trauma severity is low, increased dissociation predicts longer reaction times. Conclusion: The current study offers a first hypothesis about different information processing mechanisms during dissociation in individuals who report dissociation and childhood trauma, but do not present a clinical diagnosis. Dissociation may have a facilitating effect on working memory in some groups, while it may impair affective-cognitive function in others.Show less

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The impact of acute dissociation on Emotional Working Memory task performance in association with Borderline Personality Disorder features and childhood trauma