Personality, characteristic adaptations, and narrative identity resconstructions in individuals with depersonalization and derealization

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Fino, E., Jemmett-Skinner, T., Evans-Miller, R., Perkins, J., Malik, M. ORCID: 0000-0003-2474-3899, Robinson, M. and Webb, G., 2024. Personality, characteristic adaptations, and narrative identity resconstructions in individuals with depersonalization and derealization. Journal of Personality. ISSN 0022-3506 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

Introduction. Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DPDR) is a debilitating condition. To date, little was known about the role of broadband and maladaptive personality and of perceived social support and loneliness in DPDR.

Methods: Three studies investigated, respectively: (i) broadband personality (Five-Factor Model), maladaptive trait domains (PID-5), and perceived support and loneliness in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 160) vs. a general population sample (N = 303), using network modelling; (ii) structure and inter-connectivity of personality, perceived support and loneliness, and DPDR traits (frequency/duration) in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 160); (iii) characteristic adaptations and narrative identities in individuals with self-reported DPDR (N = 19), using thematic analysis.

Results. Study 1 found between-samples differences across several traits, especially psychoticism and negative affect. Differences in networks’ global centrality, but not structures or edges, were also found. Study 2 identified a latent community of dissociative tendencies including DPDR traits and psychoticism. Study 3 highlighted the development of DPDR as a key life transition for those experiencing it, with narratives focusing on feelings of poor agency, isolation, and a disrupted sense of self.

Conclusions. Individual differences in personality characterize DPDR, especially psychoticism. Implications for theory and research are discussed.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Personality

Creators:

Fino, E., Jemmett-Skinner, T., Evans-Miller, R., Perkins, J., Malik, M., Robinson, M. and Webb, G.

Publisher:

Wiley

Date:

9 September 2024

ISSN:

0022-3506