‘Felt Sense of Anomaly’-type transdiagnostic dissociative experiences in adolescents: endorsed phenomenology and plausible mechanisms.

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/xmqb3_v1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-20T17:38:12Z
• Authors: Emma Černis; Milan Antonović; Katie Lofthouse; Lottie Shipp; Polly Waite

ObjectiveResearch indicates higher prevalence of dissociative experiences in adolescents than adults. However, the exact phenomenology and underlying mechanisms dissociation adolescence have yet to be clarified. The current study explores presentation of, possible psychological factors underlying, this population.MethodTwo online self-report surveys captured data from 3076 aged 13 18 years. Participants completed Černis Felt Sense Anomaly (ČEFSA) scale felt sense anomaly-type dissociation, alongside measures implicated a cognitive-behavioural model adults (cognitive appraisals, alexithymia, affect intolerance). N=409 ČEFSA at second timepoint, one month later.ResultsMost (91.87%) endorsed least item. mean number items was 13.00 (SD = 9.67). most were Altered Agency (82.96%), Anomalous experience Self (76.76%), Connection (73.76%).Mediation analysis indicated that emotion regulation (expressive suppression) mediated relationship between Time One Two scores: greater suppression associated with later. No other tested variables showed statistically significant mediation.ConclusionsAdolescents are likely as detachment disconnection, particularly relating their selfhood external world (i.e., depersonalisation derealisation). This suggests key element recent – intolerance perpetuates may also applicable adolescence.