Dissociation is often distressing, yet how affected adolescents manage dissociation in their daily lives is not well understood.

This study aimed to describe the strategies adolescents use to manage dissociative symptoms from the perspective of adolescents themselves, their parents, and their clinicians.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants: 6 female adolescent patients (aged 14–17 years, M = 15.67) from an outpatient psychiatric service in Western Australia, 3 parents, and 4 clinicians. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings were consistent across adolescents, parents, and clinicians. Four main themes reflecting the varied strategies adolescents use to cope with dissociation were developed: Coping Needs to be Right for Me (theme 1); Being with a Trusted Person Helps Me (theme 2) with subthemes Just be Here with Me and Be Here and Help Me Process My Feelings; Gradually Re-Engaging with the Present Moment Helps Me (theme 3); and Sometimes I Cope by Zoning Out Even More (theme 4).

This is the first study to explore how adolescents cope with dissociation. All but one of the strategies were helpful in reducing dissociation duration or intensity, with some being within the adolescent’s control and some relying on trusted others to implement. Some coping strategies described by participants emphasized relational needs and developmental stage, suggesting that downward extension of adult interventions for adolescents may be inappropriate. Findings can guide the development of tailored interventions for dissociation in adolescents, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for this population.