The Decharacterization Model Of Dissociation

This paper introduces the Decharacterization Model, a novel framework for understanding a unique form of dissociation observed in individuals with identity disturbances, particularly those with Cluster B personality structures. Unlike depersonalization, which involves a detachment from one’s thoughts or body while retaining a basic sense of self, decharacterization refers to the internal ejection or erasure of self-defining traits through dissociative execution in response to identity threats or to shield the self from harm. The most severe form of this results in a profound void state marked by the perceived nonexistence of the self, the unreality of all prior identities, or a fear that one has never truly existed. The model maps a cycle in which authentic traits are dissociated from and rendered unreal to manage the self structure. In the case of Cluster B disorders, these dissociated traits are replaced by false, performative ones to create an invulnerable self-concept. This framework offers clinical utility in differentiating forms of dissociation and identifying a mechanism that perpetuates false self construction and identity instability.