Examination of the Effects of Dissociative Tendency on Perceived Loneliness Tendency among Junior High and High School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between dissociative tendency and perceived loneliness tendency among junior high and high school students. A longitudinal study (Time 1: September 2014, Time 2: February 2016) was conducted with Japanese students at a private school (n=407; 210 male students and 197 female students). Dissociative tendency was assessed by the Japanese version of Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (A-DES), and perceived loneliness tendency was assessed by the Scale of Maladjustment Tendencies in the School. The results of the cross-lagged effect model indicated that dissociative tendency at Time 1 increased the level of perceived loneliness tendency at Time 2. These findings suggest that dissociative tendency may hinder the fostering of positive peer communications and relationships among junior high and high school students.