Development and validation of a scale measuring childhood dissociation in adults: the childhood dissociative predictor scale

p. 080-086The sharp increase in our understanding of dissociation, particularly as manifested in multiple personality disorder (MPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has resulted in the need for a psychometric instrument to permit replicable studies of variables associated with the development of dissociation. The Childhood Dissociative Predictor Scale is a 14-item, self-report scale with items relating to childhood abuse and childhood dissociative behaviors answered on a five-point scale. The scale yields a total score and subscale scores on dissociation items and abuse items. The scale was normed on 161 subjects including sixty-six normals and ninety-five psychiatric patients. Of clinical populations, only the MPD and PTSD groups scored significantly higher than normals. This significant elevation occured on Total Score, the Dissociation Subscale, and the Abuse Subscale. Results support the initial validity and utility of the scale