Lateral eye movements preferentially increase fixation rate for those with PTSD: A potential mechanism for EMDR
Description
The researchers examined how lateral eye movements (like those used in EMDR therapy) influence visual fixation during episodic simulation. - Participants: 25 controls, 37 trauma-exposed individuals, and 19 with PTSD.
Findings: Those with higher PTSD symptoms showed lower baseline fixation rates.
Lateral saccades (side-to-side eye movements) normalized fixation rates and reduced the subjective vividness of simulated episodes.
This suggests that EMDR may help PTSD patients by enhancing naturally lower fixation rates, potentially explaining part of its therapeutic effect.
Findings: Those with higher PTSD symptoms showed lower baseline fixation rates.
Lateral saccades (side-to-side eye movements) normalized fixation rates and reduced the subjective vividness of simulated episodes.
This suggests that EMDR may help PTSD patients by enhancing naturally lower fixation rates, potentially explaining part of its therapeutic effect.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Marlatte, H., Ryan, J., & Gilboa, A. (2025, May 23). Lateral eye movements preferentially increase fixation rate for those with PTSD: A potential mechanism for EMDR. Presentation at the APS Annual Convention, Association for Psychological Science.
Collection
Citation
“Lateral eye movements preferentially increase fixation rate for those with PTSD: A potential mechanism for EMDR,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed June 17, 2026, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/30145.