EMDR-integrative group treatment protocol (IGTP) with Ukraine war survivors: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Description
Background and aims
For war survivors, traumatic stress is a risk factor for developing PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. EMDR-IGTP has been adapted for early intervention globally [1] and used effectively with refugees [2]. However, there is a dearth of a qualitative study to explore the experiences of EMDR-IGTP with war survivors. Therefore, we aimed to explore African and Ukraine participants’ experiences of EMDR-IGTP in reducing trauma symptoms and emotional disturbance levels.
Methods
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyze data from 12 individual semi-structured interviews with participants (Seven Ukrainian mothers and five international students of Ukraine) who received three times EMDR-IGTP for their trauma symptoms in Hungary as a humanitarian service. Results Three main themes emerged: 1. Positive self-changes 2. Positive feedback-Tools of EMDR-IGTP. 3. Trauma symptoms reduction. Subthemes are perceptions of self, sense of security, and plan, stabilization exercises, drawing images, butterfly hugs, proper sleep, nightmares reduction, and out of fear of death, which are presented in figure 1.
Conclusions
EMDR-IGTP can be experienced as a significant change, embedding a novel psychosocial program led to participants’ reduced distress, identification of personal strengths, and increased hope for the future. This study adds to the existing research that uses the EMDR-IGTP with positive results.
For war survivors, traumatic stress is a risk factor for developing PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. EMDR-IGTP has been adapted for early intervention globally [1] and used effectively with refugees [2]. However, there is a dearth of a qualitative study to explore the experiences of EMDR-IGTP with war survivors. Therefore, we aimed to explore African and Ukraine participants’ experiences of EMDR-IGTP in reducing trauma symptoms and emotional disturbance levels.
Methods
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyze data from 12 individual semi-structured interviews with participants (Seven Ukrainian mothers and five international students of Ukraine) who received three times EMDR-IGTP for their trauma symptoms in Hungary as a humanitarian service. Results Three main themes emerged: 1. Positive self-changes 2. Positive feedback-Tools of EMDR-IGTP. 3. Trauma symptoms reduction. Subthemes are perceptions of self, sense of security, and plan, stabilization exercises, drawing images, butterfly hugs, proper sleep, nightmares reduction, and out of fear of death, which are presented in figure 1.
Conclusions
EMDR-IGTP can be experienced as a significant change, embedding a novel psychosocial program led to participants’ reduced distress, identification of personal strengths, and increased hope for the future. This study adds to the existing research that uses the EMDR-IGTP with positive results.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Mahood, S., Egli, H., & Kalo, Z. (2023, June). EMDR-integrative group treatment protocol (IGTP) with Ukraine war survivors: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Presentation at the EMDR Europe Conference, Bologna, Italy
Citation
“EMDR-integrative group treatment protocol (IGTP) with Ukraine war survivors: An interpretative phenomenological analysis,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 9, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28206.