Abuse variables and degree of dissociation: an exploratory study

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dc.contributor.advisorValentich, Mary E.
dc.contributor.authorYasenik, Lorri A.
dc.date.accessioned2005-07-21
dc.date.available2005-07-21
dc.date.issued1990
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 157-169.en
dc.description.abstractThe purpose of the study was to explore the various patterns of intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual and physical abuse in relation to the degree an adult female survivor dissociates. The guidelines for this study were derived from the literature review. Factors indicating specific properties of abuse that were considered for this study were: frequency, duration and age of onset of sexual and physical abuse; physical force; roles of offenders; multiple victimization; and kinds of sexually and physically abusive experiences. The experience of dissociation was seen as existing on a continuum from "normal to extreme". Although criteria from the medical model were used to differentiate the five dissociative states, this study was conducted with the perspective that dissociation is a "healthy" adaptive coping skill used to partialize extremely painful, abusive experiences in order to survive. The five dissociative disorders examined were: psychogenic amnesia; psychogenic fuge; depersonalization disorder; multiple personality disorder; and atypical dissociative disorder. Three non-dissociative disorders were also assessed: somatization disorder; depressive episode; and borderline personality. Two structured and one semi-structured instruments were chosen to facilitate receipt of information. A subject sample of 20 adult female survivors of sexual abuse volunteered for the study. All of the women were at least 18 years old and in treatment at a community agency. The data were analyzed descriptively and patterns of abuse and dissociation were identified. The information was organized in relation to similarities and differences in individual reports of the degree of dissociation experienced. The major findings were that four different groups emerged based on the respondents' experiences of dissociation and abuse. The groups are: 1) Non-dissociative/ serious abuse; 2) Dissociative/more serious abuse; 3) Highly dissociative/very serious abuse; 4) Extremely dissociative/extremely serious abuse. A further analysis of characteristics of abuse differentiating the four groups revealed eight characteristics that in various combinations helped to create greater traumatization: 1) disclosure/support; 2) number of offenders; 3) caregivers as perpetrators; 4) family members as sexual abuse perpetrators; 5) abused into adulthood by family members; 6) kinds of sexually abusive experiences and types of physically abusive experiences. In addition to the identification of these factors as relevant to understanding the situations of these women, a continuum of dissociation/abuse was developed and presented descriptively as well as by illustration. As a result of these findings, a number of recommendations for treatment and further research are made.
dc.format.extentxi, 218 leaves ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationYasenik, L. A. (1990). Abuse variables and degree of dissociation: an exploratory study (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/23495en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/23495
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/17973
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultySocial Work
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.titleAbuse variables and degree of dissociation: an exploratory study
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Social Work (MSW)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 766 520541993
ucalgary.thesis.notesoffsiteen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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