The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) program: intervention for children with posttraumatic stress disorder

This dissertation examines research pertaining to the diagnosis and characteristics of childhood Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), natural disasters, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) theory and technique in children. In addition, the effectiveness of EMDR theory and technique related to childhood PTSD is reviewed. The purpose of this study is to develop a program within a school setting suitable for children diagnosed with PTSD as a result of having witnessed, confronted, or experienced a natural disaster. The program is referred to as the EMDR Program or the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Program. An attempt was made to be like no other programs related to children and natural disasters researched. The program's goal is to design a program that investigates the effectiveness of EMDR theory and technique related to children who have developed PTSD as a result of being exposed to a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or fire. The objectives of this program include creating a safe environment in order to help children reprocess their traumatic experiences within a short period of time utilizing EMDR with age appropriate alterations as suggested by Shapiro (1995) and Greenwald (1997). The philosophy of this program is based on an Accelerated Information Processing Model. The EMDR program established an admission criteria and a means of monitoring the progress of each child. An evaluation and budget were also proposed as a guide, were this design be implemented. Overall, it was believed that by utilizing EMDR with age appropriate alterations, the EMDR program would help children overcome their PTSD symptoms related to their traumatic experiences involving natural disasters within a short period of time.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Melissa Ann Reyes

Reyes, M. A. (1999, October). The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) program: intervention for children with posttraumatic stress disorder. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 60(4-B), 1869