Effect of tactile stimulation on positive imagery in resource development and installation (RDI) procedure

In Resource Development and Installation(RDI) procedure, which is used in the preparation phase of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing(EMDR) therapy, bilateral stimulation(BLS) is suggested for reinforcing the effects of positive memories, models, or symbols. However, from the perspective of the working memory mechanism, the Netherlands EMDR association has declared that “BLS should not be used for positive imagery because it disturbs positive effects”. In the present study, all thirteen undergraduate or graduate students received three conditions: imagery only(IO), imagery + slow tactile stimulation by machine(TM), or imagery + slow butterfly hug(BH). I used slow bilateral stimulation based on a preliminary experiment. The results for all three conditions indicated increase of vividness, emotional intensity, and physical sensation through revisiting memories of past achievement. Although I also measured negative, positive, and calm feelings, only positive feelings increased significantly. I could not find any significant interaction effects between time and condition factors. At the end of the session, I asked the participants to rank the three conditions in order of preference. I could not find any difference between IO and BH, however TM tend to be ranked lower compared to the other conditions. I conclude that adding stimulation to positive memories is not disturbing. Preference for the type of stimulation varies by subject. We cannot draw any definitive conclusions as to whether it is more effective to add stimulation or not to positive imagery.

Conference

English

Masaya Ichii

Ichii, M. (2017, April). Effect of tactile stimulation on positive imagery in resource development and installation (RDI) procedure. In research symposium (Daeho Kim, Chair). Presentation at the 3rd EMDR Asia International Conference, Shanghai, China