Treating academic performance anxiety in one session. EMDR versus solution oriented protocol (with or without eye movements)

The basic EMDR protocol and the Reinforced Resource Protocol (RRP) were used to help a population of students and athletes to face future anxiety-inducing challenges. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of all procedures in reducing performance anxiety and to determine whether eye movements are requested or not in resource installation. Design, setting and participants: A randomized controlled trial of students (n=45), most of them professional athletes. Participants are randomly assigned to receive only one session of the EMDR basic protocol, or the RRP with eye movements, or the RRP without eye movement (this later method is a visualization). The control group is a waiting-list group, the participants replied to questionnaires through Internet two weeks before a session. Measurements: the SUDs, the VOC, the well-being (SOS-10), the self-esteem (Rosenberg scale), the length and the goal attainment, are assessed. The data were collected just before and just after the sessions and at a two-month follow-up. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in each group; each method reduces and even eliminates the negative emotions and cognitions related to a stressful upcoming event: SUDs decreased and VOC increased in all groups and these results were maintained two months after. All procedures helped the participants to achieve their goals: to pass their exams or competitions. Self-esteem was lastingly improved in every group. Well-being was improved just after the sessions in all groups but after two months the improvement was maintained in group 3 only. The RRP reduces the length of the sessions (61 minutes with eye movements, 49 minutes without eye movements versus 97 minutes for the standard protocol).

Disseration/Thesis

English

Emmanuelle Dobbelaere

Dobbelaere, E. (2018). Treating academic performance anxiety in one session. EMDR versus solution oriented protocol (with or without eye movements). (Doctoral dissertation, University of Paris)