The Professional Fragmentation of Experience in the Study of Dissociation, Somatization, and Culture

Abstract

The prevailing “dis-association” between the scientific studies of dissociation and somatization is discussed, particularly in reference to the general “decontextualization” of dissociative and somatic experiences from their sociocultural context. The claim is made that this constitutes a fragmentation, in the professional sense, of naturally related phenomena. Conceptual and sociohistorical factors are identified that, at least partly, seem to explain these artificial divisions. Empirical evidence of the co-morbidity of dissociative and somatic symptoms is reviewed and some proposed theoretical notions are discussed. The role of cultural factors in shaping dissociative and somatic experiences is examined at the levels of (a) awareness of an event, (b) significance ofthat event, (c) emotional response, (d) locus of experience (i.e., somatic or psychological), (e) symptomatic response, and (f) social interaction. The practical relevance of recognizing the relationship among dissociation, somatization, and culture is illustrated through the presentation and discussion of anecdotal clinical material. It is also suggested that a more comprehensive study of the inter face of dissociation, somatization and culture requires the integration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Key Words:

• Dissociation
• somatization
• culture