Mehrsa Hashempour Bakhtiyari - Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch

This study examines the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and dissociative experiences, exploring thehypothesis that a strong SOC may act as a protective factor against dissociation. Drawing from psychodynamictheories, particularly the concept of splitting as a defense mechanism, this research posits that individuals with lowerSOC may experience greater dissociative symptoms due to a lack of integration in their self-perception. Utilizing anonline questionnaire format, participants were assessed using the Dissociative Experiences Scale II (DES-II) andAntonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between SOC anddissociative experiences (r = -۰.۴۹, p < ۰.۰۰۱), indicating that individuals with higher SOC reported fewer dissociativesymptoms. These findings underscore the potential role of SOC in facilitating psychological integration and resilience,offering insights for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing self-perception and coping mechanisms in clinicalpopulations.

Sense of Coherence, Dissociative Experiences, Psychodynamic Theory, SplittingMechanism, Psychological Integration, Clinical Psychology