A systematic review exploring the role of eye movements in EMDR therapy from a working memory perspective

A review of EMDR therapy mechanisms of action discussing eye movements (EMs) and working memory.

Article Description

“The controversy surrounding eye movement desensitisation & reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has existed almost since its conception by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. A 2002 review of the published literature examining old controversies and inaccurate conclusions reached by some authors, highlighted the debate over the role eye movements (EMs) play in the therapeutic process.  This systematic review aims to describe and compare the literature that explores the role of eye movements in EMDR therapy from a working memory perspective and evaluate the research findings for the reader. There is general agreement that EMs tax the working memory and reduce the vividness and/or emotionality of aversive memories within analogue studies. Their contribution within clinical trials with patients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is less conclusive, suggesting that they may be no more effective than other dual attention tasks. EMs reduce the vividness and/or emotionality of aversive memories within laboratory analogue studies. Further research in the form of clinical trials utilising full protocol EMDR therapy, with formally trained and clinically experienced EMDR therapists ensuring treatment fidelity, is needed to generalise the laboratory findings into clinical practice.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Carter, C., & Farrell, D. (2023, Spring). A systematic review exploring the role of eye movements in EMDR therapy from a working memory perspective. EMDR UK EMDR Therapy Quarterly.  https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2023/05/10/a-systematic-review-exploring-the-role-of-eye-movements-in-emdr-therapy-from-a-working-memory-perspective/