Temporal depth in a coherent self and in depersonalization: theoretical model

Multiple theoretical models of dissociative experiences have been formulated over the last century. These theories are clinically useful; however, it remains unclear if common factors exist in various pathways leading to an onset of dissociations. In this paper we provide a framework for building an integrated, dynamical model of dissociative experiences. This framework combines a first-principles-based perspective with nonlinear dynamical systems, clinical, and neurobiological perspectives. We propose that a substantial change in the parameter we call “temporal depth” can be a common factor in dissociative episodes of any etiology, moreover, we consider such a change to have causal power. In the follow-up series of papers, we will provide empirical data supporting the collapse of temporal depth in various kinds of dissociative experiences, a computer simulation that would test this model’s computational components, and preliminary ideas for therapeutic applications.