The factor structure of the dissociative experiences scale in college students

p. 023-027.A factor analysis of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) in college students indicates that the scale contains three distinct, though correlated dimensions: imaginative involvement, depersonalization/derealization, and amnesia. The similarity of the DES factor structure in this non-clinical sample to that found in psychiatric groups and other non-clinical samples offers some assurance that what is reflected in the overall DES score is similar in the different populations. On the other hand, subtle but statistically reliable sex differences were found on the imaginative involvement and amnesia factors, suggesting that combining the data of men and women, as has been done in previous factor analytic studies of the DES, may be inappropriate. If these gender-related differences are confirmed, their possible significance in the etiology and phenomenology of dissociative disorders should be considered