Theory of Structural Dissociation
This theory suggests that trauma causes the physical split between the two brain hemispheres to also become a psychological divide. The left hemisphere, responsible for day-to-day functioning, enables people to continue in their daily routines. For instance, a child is able to attend school the day after an abusive episode. The right hemisphere, which lacks verbal capabilities, holds implicit nonverbal memories of the trauma, and anticipates subsequent traumatic events.
To better illustrate this, consider the left brain as the “going on with normal life” part and the right brain as the “traumatized” part. Such terminology helps clients relate to their trauma rather than trivializing or blending with it.
Characteristics of Chronic Trauma
It’s rare for people to experience a single traumatic event. Most traumatic experiences, such as war, child abuse, domestic violence, and terrorism, persist over time. Constant rather than rare exposure to such threats is a key distinction. As with what “D” endured during her childhood, chronic trauma necessitates further psychological splitting. Due to prolonged exposure to trauma for years, the person has to defend against different dangers at different times.
The “going on with normal life” part exists on one side. On the other side, the “traumatized” part, subparts emerge, each driven by distinct responses:
- Fight
- Flight
- Fear or freeze
- Total submission
- Cry for help
Someone may possess only some of those parts. For example, they might have multiple fight parts but only a few flight parts. Complex PTSD or dissociative disorders can lead to numerous parts of each type. In cases like “D’s”, the subparts interfere with day-to-day functioning, disrupting normal life.
Parts as Defensive Approaches
- Going on with normal life part: prioritizes survival and function. Such people are often hesitant to discuss their trauma, as they fear being overwhelmed. They prioritize concerns about their family, job, or household over traumatic experiences and emotions.
- Cry for help part: a defense strategy manifesting as intense distress, desperation for help, vulnerability, and a childlike attitude. This strategy elicits sympathy and a desire to help from observers.
- Submit part: is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, a need to appease others, and a fear of causing inconvenience. This part often feels shame and tries to avoid being troublesome. Interestingly, this part is usually the least problematic.
- Fear part: as a warning system, this strategy alarms the body, cautioning a person about potential harm.
- Flight part: involves escape behaviors such as commitment issues, difficulty maintaining therapeutic or romantic relationships, and tendencies towards addictive behaviors or eating disorders. These are all ways to distance someone from their emotions.
- Fight part: aims to establish control through emotions like anger, mistrust, and devaluation of others, including therapists. The fight response is the only strategy linked with violent and aggressive behaviors toward oneself and others.
Looking for practical everyday tools? This print-friendly handout is just what you need. Click on the following link to download the PDF:
Trauma and PTSD: The Theory of Structural Dissociation and Defensive Mechanisms
This handout introduces the theory of structural dissociation and its application to understanding the profound impact of trauma on the mind. It explores the concept of a psychological split between the brain’s hemispheres, creating distinct parts that respond differently to trauma. The left hemisphere enables day-to-day functioning, while the right hemisphere harbors non-verbal traumatic memories, remaining vigilant to threats. The document summarizes the unique features of chronic trauma, emphasizing its persistence over time and the need for further psychological splitting. Through this lens, the handout examines various defensive parts, such as the “going on with normal life” part, the “cry for help” part, and others, detailing their roles and influences. This provides a framework for therapists to understand and navigate the complex landscape of trauma and its many impacts.
Instructions
This handout is a tool to aid therapists in dissecting the complex impacts of trauma on the psyche, guided by the theory of structural dissociation. It provides an overview of how chronic trauma manifests in various defensive parts, offering therapists a nuanced perspective to enhance their therapeutic practice. By differentiating between the ”going on with normal life” part, and various defensive parts like “cry for help”, “submit”, “fear”, “flight”, and “fight”, therapists are better equipped to tailor their approach, fostering empathy and understanding in their interactions with clients. This resource ultimately supports the creation of a therapeutic environment conducive to healing and integration, supporting therapists in navigating the intricate challenges presented by trauma-informed therapy.