Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analysis

EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure and cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is best regarded as a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These finding have implications for clinicians who are interested in 'ease of use' as well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation model of anxiety reduction. This presentation provides a review of the results of group and single-case EMDR component analyses, methodological issues and suggestions for future research.

Conference

English

Susan Rogers

Rogers, S. (2003, August). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analysis. Presentation at the 111th American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Toronto, ON