Dissociation and Potential Space on the Rorschach as Predictors of Concurrent PTSD and Substance Dependence Treatment Outcomes

Item

Title
Dissociation and Potential Space on the Rorschach as Predictors of Concurrent PTSD and Substance Dependence Treatment Outcomes
Identifier
d_2009_2013:f0c63d4812f6:11881
identifier
12526
Creator
Anen, Stephen John,
Contributor
Denise Hien
Date
2013
Language
English
Publisher
City University of New York.
Subject
Clinical psychology | Dissociation | Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | Potential Space | Rorschach | Substance dependence | Trauma
Abstract
Both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) are ongoing public health crises. Dissociative experiences are considered core processes within both of these conditions (van der Kolk & van der Hart, 1989; Briere & Runtz, 1987; Schafer et al., 2010). Dissociation, which involves the compartmentalization of psychic experience, also exerts a significant influence over psychotherapies that aim to address both PTSD and SUD (Davidson & Foa, 1991; Spitzer, Barnow, Freyberger, & Grabe, 2007). However, dissociation is a wide concept that encompasses several perceptual, cognitive, affective, memory, and self-state processes (Bernstein & Putnam, 1986; Briere, Weathers, & Runtz, 2005). Through separate self-reports and projective measures that operationalize dissociation in distinct ways, this study investigated the quality and intensity of dissociative experiences in a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with comorbid PTSD and SUD. Additionally, this dissertation explored whether these measures of dissociation had significant relationships with treatment outcome. Results: Cross-sectional correlation analysis identified convergence between certain measures of dissociation, but not others. Within hierarchical regression analysis, specific subscales of dissociation demonstrated discrepant relationships with response-to-treatment variables. Altogether, this study further evidenced the multidimensional nature of dissociative processes and, subsequently, the value of multi-method assessment. In addition, separate types of dissociation appeared to differentially influence treatment, indicating a pathway through which to improve customization of treatment planning.;Keywords: substance dependence, posttraumatic stress disorder, Rorschach, dissociation, potential space.
Type
dissertation
Source
2009_2013.csv
degree
Ph.D.
Program
Psychology