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SWPS University - Main page

Interpretative phenomenological analysis of depersonalization and derealization states in clinical and nonclinical groups
research
ongoing

Interpretative phenomenological analysis of depersonalization and derealization statesin clinical and nonclinical groups

principal investigator / project leader
Igor Pietkiewicz
Ph.D.

Psychologist, psychotherapist, specializes in cultural psychology, psychology of religion and thanatopsychology

Full bio
project value: PLN 1,050,209
funding source: National Science Center
discipline: psychology
research center: Institute of Psychology
location: Katowice
duration: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Most people may experience altered states of consciousness, such as depersonalization or derealization. These phenomena involve feeling separated from one's own body and mind or experiencing the environment as unreal or dream-like. These states may result from physical exhaustion, using substances, trance techniques or be the aftermath of traumatic events. Clinicians must be able to differentiate depersonalization and derealization in healthy people from the pathological forms of these episodes. Researchers from SWPS University study these complex phenomena to help healthcare professionals recognize the different forms of depersonalization and derealization to understand them in relation to various clinical presentations.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Interpretative phenomenological analysis

of Depersonalization and Derealization States in Clinical and Nonclinical Groups

 

 

Research UnitUNI SWPS english
Grant AmountPLN 1 050 209
Funding SourceNCN logo poziom en2

Duration of Research Project: April 2018 – April 2022

 

Most people may experience altered states of consciousness, such as depersonalization or derealization. These phenomena involve feeling separated from one's own body and mind or experiencing the environment as unreal or dream-like. These states may result from physical exhaustion, using substances, trance techniques or be the aftermath of traumatic events. Clinicians must be able to differentiate depersonalization and derealization in healthy people from the pathological forms of these episodes. Researchers from SWPS University study these complex phenomena to help healthcare professionals recognize the different forms of depersonalization and derealization to understand them in relation to various clinical presentations.

Project Outline

Objectives

Alterations in consciousness are common experiences in healthy individuals as well as in patients with various mental disorders. Depersonalization (a sense of detachment from one’s mind or body) and derealization (experiencing the outside world as dream-like or unreal) can have different intensity and appear in different situations, for example during meditation, religious practices or during intense workout.

These states can also be a natural reaction to a traumatic experience, when the mind separates from the overwhelming events and feelings as a form of dealing with the trauma.

Some forms of depersonalization and derealization take on a chronic form, they are significantly dysfunctional, cause distress, and are regarded as pathological. However, there are no studies comparing both healthy and pathological states of depersonalization/derealization, or their relationship to trauma, and ways in which individuals experience them.

Research Methods and Application of Results

As part of this project, structured clinical interviews will be conducted with 40 healthy participants (people who practice extreme sports and members of charismatic prayer groups) and with 100 psychiatric patients suffering from a variety of mental disorders, to analyze and compare their personal experiences of depersonalization and derealization.

Such studies are necessary to help clinicians recognize and diagnose these different states of consciousness, which may indicate trauma-related disorders. As a consequence, it will lead to a better diagnosis and referral of patients to treatment.

Research Team

Hełka, Anna
Bio
Nie
Permanent employee
Tak
Role in the Faculty
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Role in the Department
{"funkcja-w-katedrze0":{"Funkcja":"","\u0141\u0105cznik":"","Nazwa w mianowniku":"Department of General, Social and Organizational Psychology"}}
Role in the Institute
{"funkcja-w-instytucie0":{"Funkcja":"","\u0141\u0105cznik":"","Nazwa w mianowniku":"Institute of Psychology"}}
Specialization
business psychologist
First and last name
Anna Hełka
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor
City
katowice
Discipline
psychology
Position
adiunkt
Institute
Institute of Psychology
Faculty
Array
Role in the Research Center
[]
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Anna Hełkabusiness psychologist