Abstract
Aims and Objective(s): To investigate the possible relationship between taking the observer perspective in intrusive imagery, feelings of powerlessness, levels of dissociation and PTSD symptom severity and to explore any theoretical or treatment implications. Design: Correlational design using a semi-structured interview Setting One tier three specialist Traumatic Stress Service and four Psychology Departments. Participants: Twenty individuals who met DSM-TV criteria for PTSD and were in current treatment. Main Measures: Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Trait Dissociation Questionnaire (TDQ), State Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ) and visual analogue scales measuring distress, vividness and perspective taken when experiencing intrusive imagery. Main Results: A positive correlation was found between taking the observer perspective in intrusive imagery, PTSD symptom severity and state dissociation during the trauma and during intrusive imagery but not with powerlessness. Preliminary results suggested that 38% of the variance of PTSD symptoms could be explained by the other main variables. No significant relationship was found between levels of trait dissociation and subsequent state dissociation either during or after the traumatic event. Conclusions: The preliminary results indicating a positive relationship between taking the observer perspective in intrusive imagery, dissociation and PTSD symptom severity have provided additional information about the characteristics of intrusive imagery following a trauma. One hypothesis is that taking the observer perspective in intrusive imagery and dissociation may have similar maintaining roles in PTSD by impeding the emotional processing of the trauma material. The positive relationship between the above variables also suggests that future use of specific imagery techniques may be an additional means of treating individuals with PTSD. Further research to refute or support these findings is necessary before any firm conclusions can be drawn.