Validation of the hebrew version of the dissociative experiences scale (H-DES) in israel

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore the validity of the concept of dissociation as measured by a Hebrew version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (H-DES) in Israel. Design The first study examined the reliability and validity of the H-DES by assessing 340 consecutive admissions to an Israeli outpatient clinic and 290 non-clinical subjects. The second study explored the construct validity of the concept of dissociation by studying relationships between reported past traumatization and current levels of dissociation among a different cohort of 70 women Israeli out patients. Results: The H-DES has good test-retest and split-half reliability in clinical and non-clinical subjects and is internally consistent. Its convergent validity with the MMPI 2 Philips Dissociation Scale is good and it has good criterion-related validity with DSM-IV dissociative disorder diagnoses. The concept of dissociation as measured in Israel by the H-DES has high reliability and validity. Conclusions: The reliable identification of dissociative experiences in Israel as well as in several cultures outside North America supports dissociation as a valid psychological construct with wide spread cross-cultural applicability. This study contradicts claims that dissociation is merely a passing North American professional fashion.