DES-II

Overview

The Dissociative Experiences Scale II (DES-II) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure dissociative experiences in individuals. It is widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess dissociative symptoms across various populations. The DES-II is a revised version of the original Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) developed by Eve Carlson and Frank Putnam in 1986. It serves as a screening tool for dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Dissociative Amnesia, and helps in the diagnosis and understanding of these conditions.

Structure and Content

The DES-II consists of 28 items that describe different types of dissociative experiences. These experiences range from normal dissociation, such as daydreaming, to more severe forms, such as losing time or having altered perceptions of one's identity. Respondents indicate the percentage of time they experience each dissociative symptom on a visual analog scale ranging from 0% (never) to 100% (always).

Applications

Clinical Use: The DES-II is employed by clinicians to identify individuals who may have dissociative disorders and to monitor the severity of dissociative symptoms over time. It is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and clinical interviews.

Research Use: Researchers utilize the DES-II to study the prevalence and characteristics of dissociative experiences in various populations, including those with trauma histories, psychiatric conditions, and in the general population.

Psychometric Properties

The DES-II has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, making it a reliable and valid instrument for assessing dissociative experiences.

Reliability

Internal Consistency: The DES-II exhibits high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients typically ranging from 0.90 to 0.95, indicating that the items measure a common underlying construct.

Test-Retest Reliability: The scale has shown good test-retest reliability, suggesting that it provides stable and consistent results over time.

Validity

Construct Validity: The DES-II has been validated against other measures of dissociation and related constructs, demonstrating strong construct validity. Factor analyses have supported the scale's ability to measure distinct aspects of dissociative experiences.

Criterion Validity: The DES-II correlates well with clinical diagnoses of dissociative disorders, indicating that it effectively distinguishes between individuals with and without dissociative conditions.

Benefits

The DES-II offers several advantages for both clinicians and researchers:

Ease of Use: The scale is simple to administer and score, making it accessible for use in various settings.

Comprehensive Assessment: The DES-II covers a wide range of dissociative experiences, providing a thorough evaluation of dissociative symptoms.

Research and Clinical Utility: The scale is valuable for both research and clinical practice, aiding in the identification, diagnosis, and monitoring of dissociative disorders.

Conclusion

The Dissociative Experiences Scale II (DES-II) is a crucial tool in the assessment of dissociative experiences. Its strong psychometric properties, ease of use, and applicability in diverse settings make it an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers alike. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of dissociative symptoms, the DES-II contributes to a better understanding and management of dissociative disorders.