Comparison of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training in Treating Test Anxiety

EMDR & Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training (B/SIT) treatment was compared with no treatment in reducing test anxiety in college students.

Article Abstract

“Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training (B/SIT) treatment and no treatment (NT) were compared in reducing test anxiety. Thirty college students with high test anxiety were randomly assigned to each condition. Pre-post assessments were conducted using the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rational Behavior Inventory (RBI), and Autonomic Perception Questionnaire (APQ). Treatment therapists were licensed professionals with at least 2 years experience in their respective modality. Statistical analysis using a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures found significant interactions between time (pre-post) and treatment conditions for all measures except the RBI. Post hoc Newman–Keuls analyses were conducted on the change scores, indicating that both EMDR and B/SIT significantly reduced test anxiety. EMDR generally outperformed B/SIT.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Cook-Vienot, R., & Taylor, R. J. (2012). Comparison of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training in Treating Test Anxiety. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 6(2), 62–72. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.6.2.62

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.