Frontiers in Neuroscience
December 10, 2020
Daniela Rabellino, P. Frewen, M. Mckinnon et al.
Peripersonal space (PPS) is the area around the body where we can reach or be reached by objects or people, and it is crucial for bodily self-consciousness, action, and protection. Multisensory processing in brain regions such as the ventral intraparietal sulcus and insula underpins PPS, helping to assess approaching threats. Although PPS's defensive role appears in phobias, its relation to altered bodily consciousness in trauma-related disorders is unexplored. This review examines behavioral and neurobiological literature on trauma disorders relevant to PPS and outlines future research directions on altered bodily self-consciousness in these conditions.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
January 26, 2020
P. Frewen, M. Schroeter, G. Riva et al.
A review of neuroimaging research on self-referential processing (SRP) distinguishes between verbal and non-verbal forms, each occurring in controlled, top-down tasks (introspection and interoception) and in spontaneous, bottom-up states (mind wandering and body wandering during rest). The authors propose a conceptual and methodological framework for future SRP research, which they apply to understanding psychological and neurological disorders linked to abnormal SRP. The discussion draws on William James' writings on the consciousness of self.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
January 1, 2018
Harald Bækkelund, P. Frewen, R. Lanius et al.
The four-dimensional (4-D) model proposes that trauma-related dissociation involves altered states of consciousness (TRASC) and normal waking consciousness (NWC) across time, thought, body, and emotion. In 142 patients with PTSD, 46 of whom also had a dissociative disorder, TRASC experiences were less frequent and more specifically linked to other dissociation measures, dissociative disorder comorbidity, and childhood sexual abuse than NWC experiences. However, the prediction that TRASC items would show lower intercorrelation was not supported. The model offers a promising way to understand dissociation in trauma-related disorders.
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
September 17, 2015
P. Frewen, K. Hegadoren, N. Coupland et al.
A theoretical 4-D model distinguishes posttraumatic stress symptoms that occur in normal waking consciousness (NWC) from those that involve dissociative experiences, called trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC). This prospective study of 180 people assessed in emergency departments after traumatic events found that both TRASC and NWC-distress symptoms measured at 6 weeks independently predicted social and occupational impairment at 12 weeks. The results largely supported the 4-D model, but contrary to hypotheses, childhood trauma history correlated more strongly with NWC-distress than with TRASC symptoms.
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
September 17, 2015
Nicole C A Tzannidakis, P. Frewen
People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience symptoms tied to normal waking consciousness (NWC-distress) and trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC). This study examined how these two symptom types relate to social and occupational problems. Both NWC-distress and TRASC independently predicted self-reported interpersonal and work difficulties. However, individuals attributed their social and work problems more strongly to NWC-distress than to TRASC. The findings suggest that dissociative symptoms may be perceived as less disruptive to daily functioning than other PTSD symptoms, pointing to potential targets for clinical assessment and intervention.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
August 18, 2014
P. Frewen, N. Kleindienst, R. Lanius et al.
People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who also have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report dissociative trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC) less often than normal waking consciousness (NWC) symptoms. TRASC are more strongly linked to dissociative experiences and childhood emotional neglect than NWC symptoms are, especially in those with both BPD and PTSD. The prediction that TRASC symptoms would be less intercorrelated than NWC symptoms was not supported. The 4-D model categorizes trauma symptoms across time, thought, body, and emotion, each possibly experienced as normal or dissociative.