People who report anomalous information reception have higher dissociation symptom scores.

Abstract

Background: Dissociative states exist on a continuum from nonpathological expressions, such as highway hypnosis and day-dreaming, to pathological states of derealization and depersonalization. Claims of anomalous information reception (AIR) are often dismissed as symptoms of dissociation disorder, despite other studies that show otherwise. This study examined the relationship of dissociation symptoms and AIR in a large convenience sample (n= 3,984). Methods: These secondary analyses of cross-sectional survey data were examined. The survey included demographics, the Dissociation Experience Scale Taxon, and AIR data. Summary statistics and linear and logistic regressions evaluated dissociation variables and AIR endorsement relationships with and without covariates. Results: 3023 respondents with complete data were included. Participants were mostly middle aged (51 years ± 16; range 17-96), female (70%), Caucasian (85%), college educated (88%), had an annual income over $50,000 (55%), were raised Christian (71%), and now affiliated as Spiritual but not Religious (60%). AIR ability was endorsed by 42% of participants, with their first experience starting in childhood (81%), and 53% having family members with similar experiences. The mean dissociation score was 14.4 ± 17.3 (range 0-100) for all participants and was significantly higher for AIR claimants (18.2 ± 19.3), as compared to non-claimants (11.8 ± 15.2; t = -10.3, p<0.000). In total, 11% of AIR non-endorsers and 22% of AIR endorsers had a cut-off score greater than 30 ( X2 = 63.0, p=<0.000). Conclusions: Both AIR claimants and non-claimants scored lower than the clinical cutoff for dissociation, with the claimants having significantly higher scores. Future studies comparing AIR claimants versus non-claimants may benefit by incorporating comprehensive dissociation symptom measurement, as well as their effects on the person's functionality, to discern the pathological versus non-pathological nature of purported AIR experiences.