Behavioral Science-Dissociation, denial, and repression

[tripwm]

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Okay, so how do I distinguish between the 3

Defns of the 3 from 2012 FA:

dissociation- temporary, drastic change in personality, memory, consciousness, or motor behavior to avoid emotional stress

denial- avoidance of awareness of some painful reality



In the BRS BS, some of the practice questions present the following scenario:

1. Woman presents after waking up several days in a row fully dressed, and men call her claiming to have met her at a bar (to which she doesn't remember). CA: Dissociation

2. Man with cancer receives letter from physician with PSA results. When man appears for FU, he complains about a HA but doesn't remember of mention the PSA test. CA: Denial

3. Teen was not injured, but teen has no memory of a car accident in which he was driving and his girlfriend was killed. CA: Dissociation

Can someone hold my hand and walk me through the differences of denial and dissociation in these cases? Additionally, if you can add in repression I'll call you my hero.

 

[tripwm]

Okay, well not one person responded!

I discussed it with some classmates, so I'll post his answer here.

If you notice in the case of 2, (there was a typo, -remember OR mention) there is a lack of discussion. Meaning the term 'mention' is critical. It's easiest to think of dissociation as no recollection of the event, while in denial you are still aware of the event and avoid the topic (does NOT mention again).