Final answer:
The dissociative experiences of infants are tied to developmental milestones like object permanence and attachment, while adult dissociation often involves complex psychological symptoms related to past trauma. The accuracy of memories recalled from dissociative states in adults is subject to debate among researchers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dissociative experiences of infants and adults differ significantly due to the developmental stages of the human brain. For infants, reaching milestones such as object permanence and forming healthy attachments are critical components of their cognitive and psychosocial development. Whereas adults may experience dissociative disorders as a disruption in the normally integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception, often related to past trauma as indicated in studies by Johnson et al. (2006). In infants, the phenomena of dissociation may not be consciously experienced or remembered but can still impact their developmental trajectory.
Regarding dissociated memories in both populations, early developmental psychologists like Piaget noted that infants do not show object permanence and act as if objects that are hidden no longer exist. In contrast, adults know that objects continue to exist even when out of sight. Adults who have dissociated memories, particularly of traumatic events, may have repressed these memories for years, potentially recalling them later through specific techniques. However, the accuracy of recalled memories is often debated, with researchers questioning the integrity of recovered memories, citing the possibility of suggestion and misinformation effects.
In summary, for infants, the concept of dissociation plays a role in their developing understanding of the world and attachment formation; in adults, dissociation can represent a more complex array of psychological symptoms linked to comorbidity and impaired functioning.