Fear response to dissociation challenge

Participants (N = 101) scoring high or low on a new scale for assessing fea r of dissociative sensations (Dissociation Sensitivity Index) underwent an audio/visual sensory challenge using a device called the D.A.V.I.D. Partici pants' report of subjective fear and level of dissociation were measured be fore and after completing the audio/visual sensory challenge. Consistent wi th prediction, participants scoring high on the DSI responded to the challe nge with significantly greater increases in subjective fear and dissociativ e symptoms relative to those scoring low on the DSI. Contrary to prediction , the DSI performed poorer than the Anxiety Sensitivity Index in predicting participants' response to the audio/visual sensory challenge. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.