City Research Online

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to qualitatively anti quantitatively define Depersonalisation phenomena, symptoms of which pervade many neurological and psychiatric disorders. The syndrome of Depersonalisation is a concept referring to a specific range of abnormal self-experiences. An item catalogue was constructed pertaining to Depersonalisation. The catalogue was subjected to empirical analysis, based upon the items elicited from samples of the general public.

Subsequently, a second item analysis was carried out on a reduced catalogue, using clinical probands. The ability of individual items to discriminate between criterion groups was determined, namely, depersonalised patients of various clinical status, and non- depersonalised subjects, the latter comprising patients and public controls. The major null hypothesis under investigation was that item and total catalogue scores obtained from probands and controls would bear no relation to the participants' depersonalisation status; thus, the items would be non-discriminatory and therefore invalid. Items which generated data firmly rejecting the null hypothesis at the p — <.05 level of significance were retained. The final scale is presented, together with the properties which have been established to date. The potential utility of the final instrument for clinical practice was critically examined. Also, some theoretical ramifications of the factor structure of the scale were discussed.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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