Dissociative Tendencies and Dual-Task Load

Abstract

The present study was designed to explore the relationship between self-reported dissociative experiences and performance in vigilance tasks requiring a concurrent working memory load. Four hundred and ninety four students performed a vigilance task while simultaneously maintaining verbal working memory load or performing an equivalent control task. Dissociation was assessed with the Dissociative Experience Scale. There was a negative relationship between dissociation and perceptual sensitivity on the vigilance task. In addition, reaction times increased more over time for those high in dissociation when there was no concurrent memory load, compared to when there was a concurrent memory load. While the overall effect was weak, findings may support theories indicating a relationship between dissociation and dual-task performance.