Discuss the various controversies surrounding the role of abuse in the development of dissociative identity disorder. What evidence is there to suggest that abuse plays a causal role?

What will be an ideal response?

While a history of abuse is often reported by those diagnosed with DID, it can only be said that abuse may play a nonspecific causal role in the development of DID. There are many other environmental factors that may accompany an abusive situation that may play a more significant role in DID. Furthermore, if abuse were the true "cause" of DID, it would be expected that DID would be even more common than it is. There is also the possibility that many of the reported cases of abuse by those with DID may not have actually occurred. Thus, while abuse is frequently reported by those with DID, the conclusion that abuse plays a causal role is not warranted. GRADING RUBRIC: 10 points total, 2 for stating that abuse can't be said to play a causal role, 4 points each for two explanations of this conclusion.