How can dissociation be characterized?

Dissociation is primarily characterized as a mental process used for coping with trauma or stress. It involves a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory, which often serves as a protective mechanism for individuals experiencing overwhelming stress or traumatic events. During dissociative episodes, a person may feel detached from their body, have altered perceptions of their surroundings, or encounter gaps in their memory. This can help to shield them from the emotional pain associated with distressing experiences, allowing them to function despite the trauma.

While enhancing memory retrieval is a process more related to focused attention or cognitive techniques, dissociation typically hampers memory due to its nature of causing a disconnect. It is also distinct from cognitive dissonance, which pertains to the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds contradictory beliefs or attitudes, and it is not a social interaction technique but rather an internal, self-protective response.