Bilateral eye movements disrupt the involuntary perceptual representation of trauma-related memories

This study found that bilateral eye movements reduce trauma-related distress by selectively weakening the perceptual (sensory) aspects of memories—leading to fewer, less vivid intrusions—while leaving semantic memory largely unchanged and also lowering physiological and emotional responses.

Article Abstract

“Bilateral eye movement (EM) is a critical component in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the role of bilateral EM in alleviating trauma-related symptoms is unclear. Here we hypothesize that bilateral EM selectively disrupts the perceptual representation of traumatic memories. We used the trauma film paradigm as an analog for trauma experience. Nonclinical participants viewed trauma films followed by a bilateral EM intervention or a static Fixation period as a control. Perceptual and semantic memories for the film were assessed with different measures. Results showed a significant decrease in perceptual memory recognition shortly after the EM intervention and subsequently in the frequency and vividness of film-related memory intrusions across one week, relative to the Fixation condition. The EM intervention did not affect the explicit recognition of semantic memories, suggesting a dissociation between perceptual and semantic memory disruption. Furthermore, the EM intervention effectively reduced psychophysiological affective responses, including the skin conductance response and pupil size, to film scenes and subjective affective ratings of film-related intrusions. Together, bilateral EMs effectively reduce the perceptual representation and affective response of trauma-related memories. Further theoretical developments are needed to elucidate the mechanism of bilateral EMs in trauma treatment.

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Xu, Z., Hu, J., & Wang, Y. (2023). Bilateral eye movements disrupt the involuntary perceptual representation of trauma-related memories. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 165, 104311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104311  

About the Journal

“The major focus of Behaviour Research and Therapy is an experimental psychopathology approach to understanding emotional and behavioral disorders and their prevention and treatment, using cognitive, behavioral, and psychophysiological (including neural) methods and models. ”

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