Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum and Its Regulation of the Internal Stimulus Domain

Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum

The Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum is a conceptual framework within the 7PartSelf model that addresses the range of internal experiences and how these are processed by the Self. This spectrum is essential for understanding how the Internal Stimulus domain functions. It explains how internal stimuli (thoughts, emotions, memories, etc.) are managed, ranging from dissociative states (detachment or disconnection) to pervasive states (intense and constant preoccupation).

Regulation and Modulation of Internal Stimulus

The Internal Stimulus domain focuses on the inner realm and serves as a discriminatory boundary within the skin. It regulates internal stimuli for stability and predictability, acting as a triage system for incoming internal signals. The Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum helps in modulating this domain by determining how these internal signals are experienced and integrated into the Self.

• Dissociative End:

  • Characteristics: Detachment from reality, fragmented sense of Self, disconnection from thoughts and emotions.

  • Mechanism: The system minimizes internal stimuli by creating a psychological distance, reducing the impact of overwhelming or traumatic experiences.

  • Pathologies:

    • Dissociative Disorders: Conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder.

    • Addiction: Using substances or behaviors to escape from reality and internal pain.

    • Mania: Episodes of elevated mood and hyperactivity, often detached from the individual's usual baseline.

• Pervasive End:

  • Characteristics: Overwhelming and constant engagement with internal stimuli, inability to disengage.

  • Mechanism: The system intensifies the focus on internal experiences, often leading to rumination and fixation.

  • Pathologies:

    • Depressive Disorders: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and excessive guilt.

    • Obsessive Disorders: Conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where intrusive thoughts and compulsions dominate.

    • Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry and fear that pervade everyday life.

Integration with the Other Six Domains in 7PartSelf Model

The 7PartSelf model provides a comprehensive approach to managing the Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum through the integration of its seven domains. Here's how the other six domains contribute to this process:

1. Somnium Nexu (Dream Connection):

   • Function: Connects personal and collective dreams, offering symbolic and collective meaning.

   • Contribution: By tapping into collective symbols and archetypes, this domain helps integrate dissociative or pervasive experiences into a broader context, promoting understanding and coherence.

2. Fulcrum of Identity:

   • Function: Balances and integrates all parts of the Self around consciousness and identity.

   • Contribution: Acts as a central locus, ensuring that the experiences on the Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum are balanced and integrated, preventing fragmentation or overwhelming fixation.

3. Hic Sum (Here I Am):

   • Function: Neurological realm, inner workings.

   • Contribution: Provides the neurological basis for internal experiences, helping to regulate and adapt responses to internal stimuli through historical and adaptive patterns.

4. Fit Mihi (It Happens to Me):

   • Function: Sensory realm, outer world stimulus.

   • Contribution: Balances internal stimuli with external sensory input, ensuring that internal experiences do not become too disconnected (dissociative) or overly fixated (pervasive) by grounding them in reality.

5. External Stimulus:

   • Function: Outer realm, discriminatory boundary outside the skin.

   • Contribution: Triage of external stimuli for survival, which complements the internal stimulus regulation by providing a protective mechanism against external threats that might exacerbate dissociative or pervasive states.

6. Ecce Me (Behold Me):

   • Function: Observable behavior generated by the Self.

   • Contribution: Actualizes internal experiences into behavior, allowing for expression and validation. By transforming internal states into actions, this domain can help release and process intense internal stimuli.

Managing the Range of Affect through the 7PartSelf Model

The holistic approach of the 7PartSelf model ensures that the range of affect experienced on the Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum is managed effectively by promoting balance and integration among all seven domains. Each domain provides unique contributions to the overall functioning of the Self, ensuring that internal stimuli are processed, integrated, and expressed healthily.

• Balancing Dissociative States: Integrating the Fulcrum of Identity and Hic Sum can help ground and stabilize dissociative tendencies by reinforcing identity and neurological coherence.

• Alleviating Pervasive States: Engaging with Somnium Nexu and Fit Mihi can provide new perspectives and grounding through symbolic meaning and sensory input, reducing the intensity of pervasive preoccupations.

• Expressive Outlet: Ecce Me offers a way to channel and express internal states, providing relief and validation through observable behavior.

By utilizing the interconnectedness of the 7PartSelf model, individuals can achieve a more balanced and integrated sense of Self, effectively managing the challenges presented by the Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum.