Factor Structure and Correlates of the Dissociative Experiences Scale in a Large Offender Sample
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2008
Keywords
dissociation, Dissociative Experiences Scale, offenders, Procrustes rotation, dissociation and abuse, dissociation and aggression
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191108315548
Abstract
The authors examined the psychometric properties, factor structure, and construct validity of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) in a large offender sample (N = 1,515). Although the DES is widely used with community and clinical samples, minimal work has examined offender samples. Participants were administered self-report and interview measures, and a subsample was followed longitudinally to determine criminal and violent recidivism. The DES exhibited good psychometric properties, but an identified three-factor structure was of questionable replicability. Moreover, the DES factors displayed no evidence of differential correlates. DES total scores were correlated with trauma-related variables even after controlling for negative affectivity. Total scores were related to measures of antisocial behavior and aggression but did not predict recidivism. These findings support the reliability and construct validity of the DES in offenders but raise questions regarding the clinical utility of the DES factor scores above and beyond that of the total score.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Assessment, v. 15, issue 4, p. 511-521
Scholar Commons Citation
Ruiz, Mark A.; Poythress, Norman; Lilienfeld, Scott O.; and Douglas, Kevin S., "Factor Structure and Correlates of the Dissociative Experiences Scale in a Large Offender Sample" (2008). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 17.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/17
