Dissociation is a common trauma response, but only one in five psychologists can accurately identify symptoms.

New research reveals significant knowledge gaps among Australian psychologists in identifying dissociation, with many unable to identify symptoms of dissociation, which can disrupt memory, emotion, and identity.

The survey involved 280 Australian psychologists, 99 per cent of whom reported treating trauma-exposed clients. 

However, only 60 per cent received formal trauma training during their psychology qualification, and just 41 per cent had training on dissociation.

Dr Jessica Mackelprang, the study's senior author and a clinical and health psychologist at Swinburne, has highlighted the implications of these findings. 

“If clinicians are unable to recognise dissociation, the symptoms are likely to go untreated, which may negatively impact outcomes of therapy,” she said.

Dissociation is often overlooked in both training and clinical practice, despite its debilitating effects and occurrence across various psychological disorders. 

Prior research has shown that symptoms of dissociation frequently go unrecognised in mental healthcare.

The research team, including Niclés Bestel, a clinical psychologist who graduated from Swinburne's postgraduate course, advocates for the inclusion of dissociation training in psychology curricula at the postgraduate level. 

They also call for accessible and cost-effective professional development on the topic to be made available globally.

Swinburne researchers are developing resources on dissociation for psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as clinicians in training.