Which of the following factors is most commonly associated with the development of dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

• A. Having a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia
• B. Experiencing severe and chronic childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse
• C. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine
• D. Exposure to viral infections during adolescence

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within a single individual.
2. Recognize that DID is most commonly linked to environmental and psychological factors rather than genetic or biological causes like schizophrenia or viral infections.
3. Identify that extensive research in psychology points to severe and chronic childhood trauma, especially physical or sexual abuse, as the primary factor associated with the development of DID.
4. Eliminate options that are unrelated or less relevant to DID, such as genetic predisposition for schizophrenia, caffeine consumption, or viral infections, since these do not have strong empirical support in relation to DID.
5. Conclude that the factor most commonly associated with DID is experiencing severe and chronic childhood trauma, which disrupts normal identity development and leads to dissociation.