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A trauma-focused program for childhood and adolescent dissociation

Dissociation is the act of separating oneself from reality and is often used by children and young people to disconnect from traumatic experiences.

Investigators

Prof Helen Milroy, Dr Alix Woolard, Prof Ashleigh Lin, Dr Maryam Boutrus, Dr Pradeep Rao, Associate Professor Jeneva Ohan, Miss Sophie Stuart.

Project description

Dissociation is the act of separating oneself from reality and is often used by children and young people to disconnect from traumatic experiences. Dissociation often presents in children and young people as daydreaming or ‘spacing out’. As a result, children and young people who experience dissociation can seem inattentive or distracted. Although dissociation protects children and young people during traumatic situations, its continued use can be problematic for child and adolescent health and development.

This research aims to identify the prevalence (number of children/young people) and presentation (associated factors) of dissociation in children and young people who have experienced trauma and are attending Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). In addition, this research aims to develop a new intervention to help with healthy psychological recovery and reduce dissociation in children and young people who have experienced a traumatic event.

For more information, please contact Maryam Boutrus (Maryam.Boutrus@telethonkids.org.au)

Funders of the project

Perth Children Hospital Foundation (PCHF)