Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and hypnosis

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is being used in the treatment of numerous disorders. This research focused on EMDR and hypnosis to gain insight into whether the EMDR procedure is a hypnotic phenomenon. Ten high (SHSS:C = 10-12) and ten low hypnotizables (SHSS:C = 0-3) from a northwestern university were exposed to EMDR treatment based on Shapiro's procedure (1995). Responses to a post hypnotic suggestion given before the installation phase of EMDR were measured. Mann Whitney U results revealed a significant difference between low and high hypnotizable participants' responses suggesting that there is a hypnotic phenomenon present in EMDR. ANOVA results for Subject Units of Disturbance (SUDS) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) measures revealed significant treatment effects for both highs and lows pre- to posttreatment. Comparison of high and low hypnotizable groups on the posttreatment outcome scores of SUDS revealed that highs experienced significantly lower levels of disturbance than lows. Comparison of high and low hypnotizables on the posttreatment outcome scores of the VOC revealed no significant difference between groups.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Rebecca Jane Alexander

Alexander, R. J. (1998, September). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and hypnosis. (Doctoral dissertation, Washington State University)