The Prevalence of Dissociative Disorders and Spirit Possession in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With the Moderating Effect of Individualism–Collectivism on Prevalence Rates
Clinical Psychological Science September 15, 2025 Fabio Carraturo, Roberto Santonicola, Stefania Cella 3 citations
In a meta-analysis pooling data from multiple studies, individualism at the national level was positively associated with the prevalence of dissociative disorders. Women had higher odds than men of experiencing pathological dissociation (odds ratio 2.43) and spirit possession (odds ratio 4.31). A reliable 1-month prevalence estimate was obtained only for depersonalization disorder, at 1.12%. The findings are discussed within a framework that attempts to bridge trauma-based and sociocultural models of dissociation.