The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of test anxiety

This study explores the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of test anxiety. Thirty-five college students who scored above the 50th percentile on test anxiety were randomly assigned to either a treatment or wait-list control group. Subjects received two 1 hour sessions of EMDR. After posttesting, the control group also received EMDR treatment. The treatment group had a significant reduction in Test Anxiety Inventory total score, emotionality scale score, worry scale score, and state anxiety as compared to the control group. After treatment, the control group matched the experimental group for significant reductions on all dependent measures. The subject group as a whole had significant reductions in subjective units of distress during treatment as well as a significant increase in the validity of positive self-statements. Reductions in anxiety measures were maintained at one month follow-up. The differential effect of EMDR on subjects based on gender and pretreatment level of trait anxiety was also examined. Subjects with high trait anxiety had a greater reduction in total test anxiety, emotionality, and worry on posttesting as compared to subjects with lower trait anxiety. Males and females were found to respond equally to the treatment.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Matthew Blaise Enright

Enright, M. B. (1996, August). The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of test anxiety. (Doctoral disseration, University of Northern Colorado)