(V1) Dissociative Identity Disorder: Living with dissociative parts
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the subjective experience of living with dissociative parts – a narrative study of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) - version 1
IRAS ID
332058
Contact name
Kiandra Hassen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Previous literature has established that dissociative parts (i.e. alters) play a key role in the phenomenology and lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Dissociative parts are self-states that influence emotions and behaviour. Studies have found that psychological therapy is more effective when it directly explores dissociative parts. Qualitative research in this area is lacking. This understanding may inform how clinicians work with dissociative parts in therapy, which may guide further therapeutic success.
This study aims to gain insight into the subjective experience of living with dissociative parts. Participants will be selected via referral sampling from treating clinicians. Treating clinicians will be contacted via mailing lists from private DID therapy clinics. These clinics are non-NHS sites where treatment is funded by NHS. Participants will be eligible if they have a diagnosis of DID, they are over 18 years of age, live in the UK, are currently in therapy or have access to social support, and they have engaged with substantial therapeutic treatment.
Narrative analysis methodology will be applied to semi-structured interview data. Firstly, participants will be invited to a pre-interview where risk and suitability will be assessed, and a collaborative distress management plan will be created to foster partnership between participant and researcher. Secondly, participants deemed suitable will be invited to sign the consent form and a demographic questionnaire. Finally, participants will be invited to the main semi-structured interview, held online via video consultation and audio-recorded for transcription. The main interview will allow flexibility with time given. It is anticipated that the study will last 10 months from recruitment to write up.
All data collected will be kept securely, anonymised and non-identifiable. The findings of the study will be written within an academic report for submission to the university. The report may be published and submitted to an academic journal.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
23/NI/0148
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion