A working memory analysis of the dual attention component of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

This dissertation applied the concepts and predictions of working memory theory to a psychotherapeutic approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The overview of EMDR included a description of the treatment, theoretical model, empirical studies, and possible mechanisms of action. The overview of working memory included a summary of concepts and theories, and a comprehensive research review. Seven studies that investigated the related effects of eye movements (EMs) were described in detail. Two experiments were conducted to test predictions from working memory research about the effect of EMs on autobiographical memory. In both Experiments, participants identified 3 negative memories and focused on each for 2 minutes, while simultaneously engaging in 1 of 3 divided attention (DA) conditions: an easy EM task (Slow-EM), a difficult EM task (Fast-EM), and a task with no EM (Control). Measures were pre-post ratings of memory-related image vividness, thought clarity, and emotional intensity. In Experiment 2, participants were also randomly assigned to a focus on image-only or image-thought. Memory recall during Control resulted in significant post-condition increases in all measures, except emotional intensity in Experiment 1. Compared to Control, recall during both Slow-EM and Fast-EM produced significantly smaller scores for image vividness and thought clarity, and, in Experiment 2, for emotional intensity. At post-condition, Fast-EM resulted in significantly lower scores than Slow-EM for image vividness in both Experiments and emotional intensity in Experiment 2. There were no differences in outcomes between focus on image-only and on image-thought. Findings of the current experiments supported a working memory explanation for the effects on visual and thought clarity. The competition of resources during simultaneous EM and memory recall reduced memory quality. The greater degradation of memory components resulting from the more difficult condition, Fast-EM, may be attributed to demands made on visuospatial sketchpad resources. The components of each memory appeared to be linked and to show similar patterns of change, within conditions. Reported levels of pre-task emotional intensity did not predict change in thought clarity and image vividness. Finally, a theoretical application of working memory theory to EMDR was presented and recommendations were made for future research.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Loiuse Maxfield

Maxfield, L. (2004). A working memory analysis of the dual attention component of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 64(10-B), 5225