Psychology and Psychiatry: Open access
Open Access

Temporal Integration; Sensory Segregation; Psychological Dissociation; Sensory Processing; Experimental Psychology; Neurophysiological Measures; Perceptual Integration

Introduction

Psychological dissociation, characterized by disruptions in the integration of consciousness, identity, and memory, often manifests in experiences such as depersonalization and decreolization. These dissociative phenomena can be understood as disruptions in the normal processing and integration of sensory information. Temporal integration the process by which sensory inputs are combined over time and sensory segregation the separation of sensory inputs into distinct perceptual experiences are critical aspects of sensory processing that may influence dissociative states. While research has explored various dimensions of sensory processing, the relationship between temporal integration, sensory segregation, and psychological dissociation remains inadequately understood [1- 3]. This study aims to bridge this gap by experimentally investigating how variations in temporal integration and segregation of sensory inputs affect psychological dissociation. By employing a combination of behavioral tasks and neurophysiological measures, we seek to uncover the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying these processes [4]. The results are expected to provide new insights into how disruptions in the normal integration and segregation of sensory information can contribute to dissociative experiences, offering potential implications for both theoretical understanding and clinical interventions.

Materials and Methods

This study investigates the temporal integration and segregation of sensory inputs and their relationship with psychological dissociation. Using an experimental design, we aim to elucidate how different sensory modalities are processed over time and how this process is affected in individuals with varying levels of psychological dissociation. Selection Criteria: Participants were selected based on scores from the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) to classify them into high and low dissociation groups. All participants were screened for neurological and psychiatric conditions that could influence sensory processing [5, 6].

Experimental Design: Participants completed tasks designed to manipulate temporal integration and sensory segregation. Tasks included cross-modal integration, temporal order judgment, and sensory segmentation exercises. Neurophysiological Recording: EEG and fMRI were used to record brain activity during task performance, focusing on areas associated with sensory processing and integration [7]. Behavioral Analysis reaction times, accuracy, and self-reported dissociative symptoms were assessed to evaluate the impact of sensory processing on dissociative experiences. Quantitative analysis included statistical comparisons of behavioral and neurophysiological data across different conditions [8, 9]. Qualitative analysis involved interpreting patterns related to temporal integration and segregation.

Results and Discussion

The results revealed significant effects of temporal integration and segregation on perceptual and dissociative experiences. Specifically enhanced integration of sensory inputs was associated with increased perceptual coherence and reduced dissociative symptoms [10]. Segregation of sensory inputs led to more pronounced dissociative experiences, with participants reporting heightened depersonalization and derealization under conditions of sensory disjunction. Brain activity patterns showed distinct neural correlates for integration and segregation tasks, with increased connectivity in sensory processing regions linked to dissociative states.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the relationship between temporal integration, sensory segregation, and psychological dissociation. Our findings indicate that disruptions in the temporal integration of sensory inputs are linked to increased perceptual coherence and reduced dissociative symptoms, while enhanced sensory segregation is associated with heightened experiences of depersonalization and derealization. The neurophysiological data support these behavioral observations, revealing distinct neural patterns associated with different sensory processing conditions. These results suggest that psychological dissociation may be influenced by the dynamic processes of sensory integration and segregation. Disruptions in the normal temporal processing of sensory inputs appear to contribute to the development and maintenance of dissociative states. The study underscores the importance of considering sensory processing mechanisms in understanding psychological dissociation and highlights potential avenues for therapeutic interventions that target these cognitive processes. Future research should continue to explore the intricate relationship between sensory processing and dissociation, aiming to refine our understanding and enhance clinical approaches to managing dissociative disorders.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

1. Van der Oord S, Tripp G (2020) How to improve behavioral parent and teacher training for children with ADHD: Integrating empirical research on learning and motivation into treatment. Clinical child and family psychology review 23: 577-604.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Kizilkaya AE, Sari H (2021) Effectiveness of the Reinforcement Parent Education Program Designed for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Supporting Positive Behaviours. Asian Journal of Education and Training 7: 103-114.

Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Parent J, McKee LG, N Rough J, Forehand R (2016) The association of parent mindfulness with parenting and youth psychopathology across three developmental stages. Journal of abnormal child psychology 44: 191-202.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Slagt M, Deković M, de Haan AD, Van Den Akker AL, Prinzie P et al. (2012) Longitudinal associations between mothers' and fathers' sense of competence and children's externalizing problems: the mediating role of parenting. Developmental psychology 48: 1554.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Roostaei M, Abedi S, Khazaeli K (2016) The relationship between behavioral problems in 7 to 13 year old children with cerebral palsy and maternal depression: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences 11: 401-406.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Sciberras E, Efron D, Patel P, Mulraney M, Lee KJ et al. (2019) Does the treatment of anxiety in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using cognitive behavioral therapy improve child and family outcomes? Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC psychiatry 19: 1-9.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Assari S, Caldwell CH (2019) Family income at birth and risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at age 15: racial differences. Children 6: 10.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Al-Yagon M, Lachmi M, Danino M (2020) Manual-based personalized intervention for mothers of children with sld/adhd: Effects on maternal and family resources and children’s internalizing/externalizing behaviors. Journal of Attention Disorders 24: 720-736.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Efron D, Furley K, Gulenc A, Sciberras E (2018) Maternal ADHD symptoms, child ADHD symptoms and broader child outcomes. Archives of disease in childhood 103: 841-846.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Cortese S (2020) Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder. New England Journal of Medicine 383: 1050-1056.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref