Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon that involves a detachment from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It can create a feeling of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. Dissociation can range from mild to severe and may manifest in various ways, such as feeling spaced out, having memory gaps, experiencing a sense of unreality, or feeling as though one is watching themselves from outside their body.
There are several types of dissociative experiences, including:
Depersonalization: Feeling disconnected from one's body or feeling like an outside observer of oneself.
Derealization: Experiencing a sense of unreality or detachment from one's surroundings.
Dissociative Amnesia: Memory gaps for certain periods of time, often related to a traumatic event.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, this is a more severe form of dissociation where an individual has two or more distinct personality states, often referred to as "alters," which may take control of the person's behavior and consciousness at different times.
As for the link between dissociation and personality types, it is essential to recognize that personality types, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), are not clinically recognized psychological assessments. They are theoretical models used to describe general personality traits and preferences. MBTI identifies 16 different personality types, one of which is INFJ.
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. People with the INFJ personality type are often described as empathetic, intuitive, and deep-thinking individuals who are sensitive to others' emotions. While there isn't a direct correlation between MBTI types and dissociation, individuals of any personality type can experience dissociative symptoms under certain circumstances, especially during times of stress, trauma, or other psychological challenges.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dissociation or any mental health concerns, it is essential to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and appropriate guidance for understanding and managing dissociative experiences or any other psychological difficulties.