The Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire An International Perspective

Abstract

The authors of the present chapter discuss the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ). The chapter begins with background on the PDEQ, noting its birth and refinement on earlier research on Vietnam War veterans in the United States. They review this developmental research and how it culminated in the final version of the instrument and its psychometric properties for the ten-item scale. After establishing the history of the PDEQ, the authors review literature from several countries. The growing body of literature presents evidence-based knowledge of the convergence and coherence of research identification that peritraumatic phenomenon are beyond cultural boundaries. Peritraumatic phenomenon may be a more universal human form of adaptation and coping with situations of extreme stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). (preface)