Dissociation is characterized by a loss of control and integration of consciousness. The development of dissociative disorders has been heavily debated, with the prevailing theory suggesting that...Show moreDissociation is characterized by a loss of control and integration of consciousness. The development of dissociative disorders has been heavily debated, with the prevailing theory suggesting that childhood trauma is often a major part of its genesis. However, it is also argued that other events and extraneous factors might explain one’s propensity to experience dissociation. This study aimed to investigate whether childhood trauma has a strong correlation with dissociative experiences and whether attachment styles and perceived social support explain this association. Data was extracted from a previous study that assessed childhood trauma, dissociation, attachment insecurity and perceived social support. A serial mediation model was conceptualized. Results indicated a weak but significant association between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences. Additionally, the serial mediation model was significant, demonstrating that increased childhood trauma led to an increase in dissociative experiences through decreased social support and higher attachment insecurity. Implications for clinical practice include the importance of working through early attachment experiences and earned security. Further research is imperative in overcoming study limitations such as generalizability and the cross-sectional design.Show less
This study investigated the relationship between childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation, dissociative psychopathology, and aggression in adult female ADHD and BPD patients. The study aimed to...Show moreThis study investigated the relationship between childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation, dissociative psychopathology, and aggression in adult female ADHD and BPD patients. The study aimed to determine whether childhood maltreatment predicted aggression and if emotion dysregulation and dissociation mediated this relationship. Methods: The study included eighty-six women (n=29 patients with BPD, n=28 patients with ADHD; and n=29 healthy controls, HC) recruited from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany. Childhood trauma was measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), which assessed various forms of abuse and neglect. Aggression was measured using the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), which assessed physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. Emotion dysregulation was assessed using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), which measured six dimensions of emotion regulation difficulties. Dissociation was measured using the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), which assessed various aspects of dissociative psychopathology. Results: The results revealed that childhood maltreatment had a significant effect on aggression, mediated by emotion dysregulation but not dissociation. Furthermore, scores for aggression, emotion dysregulation, and dissociation were higher in the ADHD and BPD groups compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest a need for clinical emphasis on trauma-informed care and emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, the study highlighted the necessity of future research on gender differences in these relationships, providing an impetus for personalised treatment strategies. Conclusion: This study emphasises the crucial role of childhood trauma and emotion dysregulation in managing aggression in female ADHD and BPD patients.Show less
Childhood maltreatment is associated with dissociative symptoms in adulthood. However, there are only few empirical studies that differentiate between the different forms of childhood maltreatment...Show moreChildhood maltreatment is associated with dissociative symptoms in adulthood. However, there are only few empirical studies that differentiate between the different forms of childhood maltreatment which is why it continues to be unclear in what way they may have differing consequences. Moreover, the role of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in this context is not yet fully understood. In this study, the relationship between the severity of different forms of childhood maltreatment and dissociative symptoms was investigated. Further, it was investigated whether symptoms of BPD account for a significant part of these associations. Deepening this understanding may be helpful in improving prevention and intervention of dissociative disorders. Two datasets were used in this study. The first dataset was collected in The Netherlands and comprised n = 761 individuals. The second dataset was collected in Germany and comprised n = 426 individuals. Linear regression analysis was used to predict the severity of dissociation symptoms based on the severity of childhood maltreatment when accounting for BPD symptoms. Childhood maltreatment predicted dissociation in both datasets. In the first sample, emotional and physical abuse significantly predicted dissociation, with emotional abuse positively predicting dissociation and physical abuse negatively predicting dissociation. In the second dataset, emotional and sexual abuse positively predicted dissociation. In both samples, adding BPD scores accounted for up to 30% of explained variance in the dissociation scores. This study underlines the importance of childhood maltreatment and BPD in the understanding and exploration of dissociation.Show less
The irradiation of benzonitrile (C6H5CN) in the interstellar medium (ISM) is analyzed with photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy and simulated with quantum chemical calculations. The...Show moreThe irradiation of benzonitrile (C6H5CN) in the interstellar medium (ISM) is analyzed with photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy and simulated with quantum chemical calculations. The experiment took place at the Swiss Light Source, where vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation can be made. VUV radiation is present in the ISM, so this gives an idea how benzonitrile behaves in the ISM. The ionization energy of benzonitrile was found to be 9.72 +- 0.03 eV. This was obtained out of a threshold photoelectron spectrum. This spectrum was also simulated and gave information about the electronic states and vibrational transitions. The main products of the dissociation found in the experiment have a m/z of 76 and 52 and H-loss. With quantum chemical calculations these product were assigned to molecules and their reaction paths were calculated. The products correspond respectively to benzyne (C6H4) and to cyclobutadiene (C4H4). These products might be interesting for future observations.Show less
