Development and initial evaluation of a measure of positive beliefs about dissociative experiences

Theoretical models and qualitative research suggest that dissociation can be functional in some circumstances, despite being a cause of concern for many. This is the first study evaluates novel questionnaire on positive appraisals (the Positive Beliefs about Dissociation Questionnaire; PBD-Q), its link with frequency related distress. Development items was based lived experience expertise within team findings. Items were refined through cognitive interviewing people prior to deployment using an online survey. A sample 228 participants scoring >10 Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) completed battery measures comprising PBD-Q previously developed measure negative beliefs dissociation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: emotion management, self-expression, maintaining social image. Within this particular showed excellent internal consistency, face validity, convergent test–retest reliability. Higher scores significantly higher frequencies dissociative experiences as well dissociation-related The structure remained stable when analyses restricted individuals >30 DES-II. In conclusion, our findings indicate reliably validly measured adults who levels are than general population. These could involved maintenance represent promising targets future research, clinical assessment, treatment.