How-to study dissociative symptoms in a broad range of mental disorders: A methodological primer

Dissociative symptoms constitute a transdiagnostic phenomenon not only characterizingdissociative disorders but also occurring across a broad range of other mental disorders likeposttraumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder. In the latter disorders,dissociative symptoms like depersonalization, derealization, or gaps in awareness significantlyburden patients’ wellbeing and functioning. Many efforts have been undertaken to betterunderstand these debilitating symptoms. However, empirical findings have not yet convergedin many areas (e.g., considering neurobiological correlates or effects of dissociativepsychopathology on treatment outcome), which might partially be due to the heterogeneity andlimitations of employed methodology. Here, we critically review the current state-of-the-artmethodology in dissociation research, comparing methods to assess dissociative symptoms,provoke dissociative symptoms in the laboratory, select the participant sample, and considercritical sample characteristics. Discussing the informative value and limits of various standardand novel methodological approaches, we aim to provide information and nuanced guidancefor future research. By these means we aim to raise and harmonize standards in dissociationresearch and enable researchers of all career stages to enter, navigate, and make a significantand lasting contribution to research on dissociative symptoms in a broad range of mentaldisorders, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of dissociative psychopathology.