Dissociative Experiences Scale, Brief (DES-B)
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The DES-B is a short-form self-report tool used to assess dissociative symptoms, such as memory gaps, emotional detachment, and perceptual distortions. It is commonly used in trauma-informed care settings to screen for dissociation in adolescents and adults.
Recommended Frequency: Use during intake or early sessions when dissociation is suspected, and repeat every 1–3 months during trauma-focused care or as clinically indicated.
About the DES-B
The Dissociative Experiences Scale – Brief (DES-B) is an 8-item screening tool adapted from the longer DES-II. It was developed to identify dissociative symptoms in a time-efficient format, particularly in settings where trauma exposure or PTSD is being assessed. It reflects common dissociative experiences such as depersonalization, derealization, and identity confusion, without being diagnostic.
Psychometric Properties
The DES-B has demonstrated strong internal consistency (α > 0.90) and correlates highly with the full DES and related trauma symptom scales. In youth and adult samples, it performs well as a screener for moderate to high dissociative tendencies.
A 2021 validation study confirmed a unidimensional structure and strong clinical utility in trauma-exposed populations.
Sources: Armbruster-Genc et al., 2021; Dalenberg et al., 2012
The Scale
The DES-B includes 8 items, each scored on an 11-point scale (0% to 100%, in 10-point increments). Respondents indicate the percentage of time they experience specific dissociative phenomena.
Example item: “Some people have the experience of finding themselves in a place and having no idea how they got there.
The total score is the average of the 8 items and reflects the degree of dissociative symptomatology.
Score Range
- 0–29%: Low
- 30–59%: Moderate
- 60–100%: High dissociation
Score thresholds are interpretive guidelines only and should not be used for diagnosis.
Copyright
Developed by Dalenberg, Brand, and colleagues. Published in peer-reviewed literature for non-commercial clinical and academic use.
References
- Armbruster-Genc, D. J., Weis, T., & Frewen, P. (2021). Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-B): Psychometric evaluation and clinical utility in a trauma-exposed sample. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 13(1), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000956
- Dalenberg, C. J., Brand, B. L., Gleaves, D. H., Zeligman, M., & Loewenstein, R. J. (2012). Evaluation of the Dissociative Experiences Scale: DES and DES-II. In J. D. Bremner (Ed.), Neuroimaging and the Dissociative Disorders. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0914-3_10
Disclaimer
This content is for informational use only. HiBoop does not interpret scores or provide clinical recommendations. The DES-B should be used by trained professionals within a broader assessment context.
Permissions
The DES-B may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. Modifications or commercial use require permission from the original authors or publisher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the DES-B and full DES?
The DES-B is shorter and easier to integrate into clinical workflows. The full DES offers more granularity for research or detailed assessment.
How long does it take to complete?
About 2–3 minutes, depending on the client’s reading comprehension and symptom awareness.
Is it suitable for teens?
Yes. The DES-B has been validated for adolescents aged 13+, especially in trauma-informed care contexts.
Can the DES-B diagnose dissociative disorders?
No. It indicates possible dissociation that should be explored further using structured clinical interviews and clinical judgment.