Effects of digital ‘’Flash 2.0’’ and an abbreviated digital EMDR protocol on emotionality of aversive memories

Flash 2.0 has been recently introduced as a possible PTSD-treatment. Its effectiveness on reducing emotionality of aversive memories has not been tested yet. In this study the effectiveness of Flash 2.0 was compared to an abbreviated EMDR protocol. Both treatments were digitally performed with an online application for digital treatment and EMDR. Participants (N = 60) were healthy and were randomly allocated to either of the two conditions. They were asked to recall an aversive memory, after which one of the two interventions was applied, each lasting 8 minutes. Emotionality and vividness were rated before and after the intervention. A follow-up rating was performed a week later. Results show that Flash 2.0 is as effective as EMDR in decreasing emotionality and vividness of an aversive memory of non-clinical participants both directly after the intervention and at follow-up. Results of the EMDR group were also compared to a face-to-face group from a previous study. Digitally delivered EMDR had a high effect size compared to a moderate effect size for face-to-face EMDR. Both Flash 2.0 and digitally delivered EMDR are already used in clinical practice worldwide, but this might be premature since results need to be replicated in a clinical sample

Dissertation/Thesis

English

A. C. de Witt

de Witt, A. C. (2021). Effects of digital ‘’Flash 2.0’’ and an abbreviated digital EMDR protocol on emotionality of aversive memories. (Master's thesis, Utrecht University)