Honoring their voice: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing through the eyes of inmates with developmental disabilities

This study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on inmates with developmental disabilities (DD) who were incarcerated in a special needs correctional facility in the southwestern United States. Cognitively, these inmates ranged from borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) to mild mental retardation (MMR), and all suffered from PTSD-like symptoms. A repeated measure pre- and postanalysis design with one sample group was utilized. The Emotional Problem Scales (EPS), Impact of Events Scales - 8 Items (IES-8), Validity of Cognition Scales (VOCS), and Subjective Units of Disturbance Scales (SUDS) were used to gather quantitative data on the 17 volunteer participants. Baseline and outcome data were collected by an independent assessor. The T-Test was incorporated to analyze the data and determine significance. Due to the small sample of convenience, the data were skewed, so the researcher also used the nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Descriptive data on EMDR were collected and analyzed.As measured by the SUDS, IES-8, and VOCS, the statistical findings revealed self-reported reductions in levels of distress, avoidance, and intrusiveness of the traumatic memory, and an increase in self-esteem and the believability of positive cognitions about self and the event after the application of EMDR. However, the clinical scales from the Self-Report Inventory (SRI) of the EPS did not reveal any changes after the application of EMDR. Staff familiar with the study volunteers also reported a significant decrease in clinical pathology and an increase in prosocial behavior, as measured by the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS) of the EPS. Findings suggest that the utilization of EMDR with persons having developmental disabilities may have clinical utility. Thus, further research in this area is warranted.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Jacqueline S. Giamp

Giamp, J. S. (2004). Honoring their voice: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing through the eyes of inmates with developmental disabilities. (Dissertation, Walden University)