Digital EMDR: Using adaptive algorithms in digital trauma therapy to improve desensitization of traumatic memories in university students
Description
Background
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is commonly used in PTSD treatment to degrade traumatic memories by recalling the memory and simultaneously taxing one’s working memory (WM). It is unclear how intensely WM should be taxed to maximize desensitization, but evidence points towards a linear dose-response relationship with a ceiling effect. As everyone possesses a unique WM capacity, this ceiling is individual. A digital EMDR application with an algorithm adapting to WM capacity may account for this.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent digital EMDR using an algorithm adapting to individual WM capacity affects desensitization of traumatic memories. It was hypothesized that individuals receiving digital EMDR with an algorithm will show greater levels of desensitization than individuals who receive no EMDR. Further, individual WM capacity was expected to not correlate with desensitization.
Methods
University students were presented with a disturbing video and were randomly allocated to receive either digital EMDR with the algorithm or no EMDR. Emotionality and vividness (i.e., desensitization), were measured prior to, immediately after, and 24 hours after treatment.
Results
No significant differences in desensitization were found between the two groups. Further, no correlation between individual WM capacity and desensitization was found.
Conclusion
The notion that digital EMDR is effective is not supported by the results. Although the algorithm adapted WM load to individual capacity, the ceiling effect’s existence may be questioned, in which case the algorithm may have inhibited desensitization. Digital EMDR without an algorithm may be preferable.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is commonly used in PTSD treatment to degrade traumatic memories by recalling the memory and simultaneously taxing one’s working memory (WM). It is unclear how intensely WM should be taxed to maximize desensitization, but evidence points towards a linear dose-response relationship with a ceiling effect. As everyone possesses a unique WM capacity, this ceiling is individual. A digital EMDR application with an algorithm adapting to WM capacity may account for this.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent digital EMDR using an algorithm adapting to individual WM capacity affects desensitization of traumatic memories. It was hypothesized that individuals receiving digital EMDR with an algorithm will show greater levels of desensitization than individuals who receive no EMDR. Further, individual WM capacity was expected to not correlate with desensitization.
Methods
University students were presented with a disturbing video and were randomly allocated to receive either digital EMDR with the algorithm or no EMDR. Emotionality and vividness (i.e., desensitization), were measured prior to, immediately after, and 24 hours after treatment.
Results
No significant differences in desensitization were found between the two groups. Further, no correlation between individual WM capacity and desensitization was found.
Conclusion
The notion that digital EMDR is effective is not supported by the results. Although the algorithm adapted WM load to individual capacity, the ceiling effect’s existence may be questioned, in which case the algorithm may have inhibited desensitization. Digital EMDR without an algorithm may be preferable.
Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Gerdemann, M. C. (2022). Digital EMDR: Using adaptive algorithms in digital trauma therapy to improve desensitization of traumatic memories in university students. (Bachelor's thesis, University of Twente)
Citation
“Digital EMDR: Using adaptive algorithms in digital trauma therapy to improve desensitization of traumatic memories in university students,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 7, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/27520.