The Mediating Role of Defense Mechanisms and Feeling of Guilt in the Relationship between Personality Traits and Dissociation Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating role of defense mechanisms and feeling of guilt in the relationship between personality traits with dissociation experiences. The research method was a descriptive-correlational type. The population of the study consisted of all citizens living in Karaj selected from recreational, cultural, and art centers using cluster sampling (241 females and 207 males: N=550). The measurement scales used in the study NEO Five-Factor (NEO), Defense Style-40 (DSQ-40), Guilt Inventory (GI), and Dissociative Experiences (DES). The structural equation modeling and Amos-24 software were used to analyze the data. The results of the present study showed the existence of an indirect coefficient path between neuroticism and dissociation experiences (β=0.044, p < 0.01); openness and dissociation experiences (β=0.040, p < 0.01); neuroticism and feeling of guilt (β=0.72, p < 0.05); openness and feeling of guilt (β=-0.081, p < 0.05), and maladaptive defense mechanisms and dissociation experiences (β=0.068, p < 0.01). Clinicians and therapists are advised to target the defense mechanisms leading to excessive feelings of blame and guilt, and also dissociation experiences.

Keywords

• defense mechanisms
• dissociation experiences
• feeling of guilt
• neuroticism
• openness to experience