DES-B

Overview

The Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-B) is a self-report instrument designed to assess dissociative experiences in adults. It is a concise version of the original Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), developed to quickly evaluate dissociation symptoms while maintaining reliable measurement. The DES-B is used in both clinical settings and research to identify and assess the severity of dissociative symptoms.

Purpose

The DES-B aims to:

• Measure Dissociative Experiences: Evaluate the frequency and intensity of dissociative symptoms, such as depersonalization, derealization, and dissociative amnesia.
• Assist in Diagnosis: Help clinicians in diagnosing dissociative disorders by providing a structured measure of dissociative symptomatology.
• Monitor Symptom Changes: Track changes in dissociative symptoms over time, aiding in the assessment of treatment efficacy and the progression of dissociative disorders.

Structure

The DES-B consists of 8 items that cover the following domains:

• Depersonalization: Assesses experiences of feeling detached from one’s body or self.
• Derealization: Measures feelings of detachment from the external world or surroundings.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Evaluates gaps in memory or difficulty recalling personal information.
• Dissociative Symptoms: Captures various dissociative experiences, including feelings of unreality and identity confusion.

Each item on the DES-B is rated on a scale that reflects the frequency of the dissociative experiences over the past month.

Applications

• Clinical Use: The DES-B is used by mental health professionals to assess dissociative symptoms in individuals presenting with dissociative disorders or related conditions. It aids in diagnosing dissociative disorders and developing appropriate treatment plans.
• Research Use: The scale is employed in research to study the prevalence and impact of dissociative symptoms, explore the relationship between dissociation and other mental health conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting dissociation.

Psychometric Properties

The DES-B demonstrates strong psychometric properties:

• Reliability: The DES-B shows high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients typically exceeding 0.90, indicating that the items reliably measure the construct of dissociation. Test-retest reliability is also robust, reflecting the stability of the measure over time.
• Validity: The scale exhibits good construct validity, with significant correlations with other measures of dissociation and related symptoms. It also demonstrates criterion validity, effectively distinguishing between individuals with and without dissociative disorders.
• Factor Structure: Factor analysis supports the scale’s ability to capture the core dimensions of dissociation, aligning with theoretical models of dissociative experiences.

Translation and Adaptation

The DES-B has been translated into multiple languages and adapted for various cultural contexts. These translations have undergone rigorous validation processes to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance, making the DES-B a versatile tool for assessing dissociation across different populations.

Conclusion

The Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-B) is a valuable tool for assessing dissociative symptoms in adults. Its concise format, combined with strong psychometric properties, makes it an effective instrument for clinicians and researchers in the evaluation and understanding of dissociative disorders.