Acute Peritraumatic Dissociation: In Favor of a Phenomenological Inquiry

Abstract

Fundamental aspects of trauma—among them dissociation during trauma, which is considered one of the strongest predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder—are not fully understood. This article argues that the application of the phenomenological structure of time and the phenomenological description of the self (minimal self, sense of ownership, sense of agency, sense of self) to dissociation during trauma can improve our understanding of this phenomenon—at its occurrence and during any possible ensuing symptoms. In addition, it is argued that the phenomenological approach, as a method that focuses on the bodily level of experience, in particular the body as it is experienced from within, enables us to penetrate the traumatic experience. Thus, by applying the phenomenological approach we may be able to improve our understanding of the traumatic experience and enable the development of better treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• peritraumatic dissociation
• phenomenology
• sense of agency
• sense of ownership
• sense of time