Dissociative phenomena: A conceptual review

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper has been to review the concept of dissociation and associated phenomena, starting from classic approaches (i.e., Janet), to the current views focussing on the dissociative phenomena study. Moreover, the assumption about a continuum of dissociative experiences, or dimensional model, is also reviewed as well as its relationships with a typological model. The studies focussed on the relation between dissociation and some variables traditionally linked to this concept, as hypnotizability and repression, are also discussed. Finally, the criticisms and doubts about the dissociative experiences are addressed.