Dissociation and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

The relationship between dissociation and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well-established in the scientific literature. However, the exact nature of this relationship remains the subject of debate. Recent evidence has suggested the existence of a dissociative subtype of PTSD characterized by significant depersonalization and derealization symptoms. In this study the dissociative subtype was examined using latent profile analysis in a sample of 541 trauma-exposed college students. Items from the PTSD Checklist (PCL; Weathers et al., 1993) and Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI; Briere, 2002) were used as latent class indicators. Results supported a three-class solution including a well-adjusted group, PTSD group, and dissociative group, the latter of which was characterized by elevated PTSD, depersonalization, and derealization symptoms. Significant differences were found among the groups on a number of measures of related psychopathology. Diagnostic and treatment implications regarding the dissociative subtype are discussed.