Theoretical models and qualitative research suggest that dissociation can be functional in some circumstances, despite being a cause of concern for many. This is the first study that evaluates a novel questionnaire on positive appraisals of dissociation (the Positive Beliefs about Dissociation Questionnaire; PBD-Q), and its link with dissociation frequency and related distress. Development of items was based on lived experience expertise within the research team and qualitative findings. Items were refined through cognitive interviewing with people with lived experience of dissociation prior to deployment using an online survey. A sample of 228 participants scoring >10 on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) completed a battery of measures comprising the PBD-Q and a previously developed measure of negative beliefs of dissociation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: positive beliefs about emotion management, positive beliefs about self-expression, and positive beliefs about maintaining social image. Within this particular sample the PBD-Q showed excellent internal consistency, face validity, convergent validity, and test-retest reliability. Higher scores on the PBD-Q were significantly related to higher frequencies of dissociative experiences as well as dissociation-related distress. The factor structure remained stable when the analyses were restricted to individuals scoring >30 on the DES-II. In conclusion, our findings indicate that positive beliefs about dissociation can be reliably and validly measured in adults who experience levels of dissociation that are higher than the general population. These beliefs could be involved in the maintenance of dissociation and represent promising targets for future research, clinical assessment, and treatment.

中文翻译：

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关于分离体验的积极信念的发展和初步评估

理论模型和定性研究表明，尽管引起了许多人的关注，但在某些情况下，解离可能会起作用。这是第一项评估关于分离积极评价的新型问卷（关于分离问卷的积极信念；PBD-Q）及其与分离频率和相关痛苦的联系的研究。项目的开发基于研究团队的实际经验和定性发现。在使用在线调查进行部署之前，通过对具有分离生活经验的人进行认知访谈来完善项目。在分离体验量表 (DES-II) 上得分 >10 的 228 名参与者的样本完成了一系列测量，包括 PBD-Q 和先前开发的分离消极信念测量。探索性因素分析揭示了三个因素：关于情绪管理的积极信念、关于自我表达的积极信念和关于维护社会形象的积极信念。在这个特定样本中，PBD-Q 表现出出色的内部一致性、表面效度、收敛效度和重测信度。PBD-Q 的较高分数与较高频率的分离体验以及与分离相关的痛苦显着相关。当分析仅限于 DES-II 得分 >30 的个体时，因子结构保持稳定。总之，我们的研究结果表明，对于分离程度高于一般人群的成年人，可以可靠且有效地衡量对分离的积极信念。