Abstract Background Depersonalisation and derealisation (DPDR) symptoms are dissociative experiences that significantly impact mental health, yet their relationship with early-life adversity remains under-researched. This study examines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence the development of DPDR symptoms across three developmental stages (ages 12, 17, and 24).
Methods Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were analysed using generalised linear mixed models to assess whether different types of ACEs—including abuse (emotional and physical), neglect (emotional and physical), and household instability (parental substance use [PSA], inter-parental violence [IPV], parental mental health problems, parental conviction, and parental divorce)—predicted DPDR symptoms longitudinally. Models adjusted for sex, attachment style, anxiety, depression, and perseverative cognition.
Results ACEs had a stronger influence on depersonalisation than derealisation. Seven of eleven ACEs—including emotional abuse, emotional neglect, PSA, IPV, parental divorce, and cumulative exposure to abuse, neglect, and household instability—were significantly associated with depersonalisation. In contrast, only three ACEs (PSA, parental mental health problems, and parental divorce) predicted derealisation, all of which were related to household instability. The cumulative burden of adversity was predictive of depersonalisation but not derealisation, suggesting distinct developmental pathways for these symptoms. Covariates had minimal impact on these associations, confirming their robustness.
Conclusion This study is the first to show that all types of ACEs—not just abuse and neglect—contribute to DPDR symptoms, but in distinct ways. While abuse, neglect, and household instability increased the likelihood of depersonalisation, derealisation was only linked to household instability. Only parental substance use and parental divorce predicted both symptoms. These findings highlight the need for early intervention and suggest that derealisation may develop through alternative pathways beyond childhood trauma, warranting further investigation.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Assess the longitudinal effects of ACEs on depersonalization and derealization symptoms across different ages (12, 17, and 24 years)
Analyze the mediating role of additional factors in the relationship between ACEs and depersonalization and derealization symptoms
Identify specific types of ACEs that have a significant impact on depersonalization and derealization symptoms
Assess the cumulative effect of multiple ACEs on the likelihood of experiencing depersonalization and derealization symptoms
Discuss potential insights for early intervention and treatment strategies targeting the mediating factors between ACEs and depersonalization and derealization symptoms
