Posted by Dinah on March 27, 2005, at 22:35:35
In reply to Re: Is there another part to that? » Dinah, posted by alexandra_k on March 27, 2005, at 21:56:28
I answered you there.
But to brainstorm a bit. Off the top of my head.
It would seem that PTSD at a young age would not be sufficient in itself to account for dissociative phenomenon. Since not every child who was abused dissociates.
Sooooo..... If you think of dissociation as a defense mechanism. And you consider other defense mechanisms. Hmmm... Perhaps there are genetic variables that make some people better at certain defense mechanisms than others. Say, a hard to stimulate adrenaline system, or a too quickly stimulated adrenaline system, just to give an example. Some physical characteristics that give people an edge in using certain defense mechanisms. A talent in it. A talent in dissociation in this case.
Then you consider why certain people overuse particular defense mechanisms.
That could be a natural talent for some over others - some just come easier than others.
Stress and the need for defense mechanisms - sexual or physical abuse being obvious examples, but no the only ones.
A lack of a broad range of defense mechanisms. If all you know how to use is a hammer and a screwdriver, you're bound to look for solutions that involve nails or pounding, or screws or prying.
So offhand there are three variables. There are probably more. A varying degree of natural talent for dissociation. A varying degree of stress requiring defense mechanisms to be used (and a varying degree of stress tolerance). And a varying number of defense mechanisms available for use.
I think the current thinking puts too much emphasis on the second, and not enough on the first and third. While probably there is a complex interplay between all three and a few more to boot. Leading to various degrees and presentations of dissociative disorders, and various causes for them.
I dunno. I'm waiting with interest for your theory. :)
poster:Dinah
thread:476326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050315/msgs/476506.html