Conceptualization of Parenting Stress in the Context of EMDR Therapy

The AIP model hypothesizes that chronic parenting stress may result from past distressing parental experiences not adaptively processed.

Article Abstract

“Shapiro’s adaptive information processing (AIP) model hypothesizes that chronic parenting stress may result from past distressing parental experiences that were not adaptively processed. Our correlational study conducted a preliminary test of the AIP model to determine if current levels of parenting stress were associated with the number of reported distressing parental experiences. Thirty-five parents, whose children were being treated in a community clinic, were interviewed to identify memories of events related to the onset and aggravation of parenting stress. Standardized measure of present parenting stress was obtained. Regression analysis indicated that the number of reported unprocessed parenting experiences was a strong predictor for the level of parenting stress. The results support the AIP conceptualization of parenting stress and are discussed in the context of the development of an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) intervention to reduce parenting stress.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

De Vries, S. J. A., & Kuiper, C. H. Z. (2017). Conceptualization of Parenting Stress in the Context of EMDR Therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(3), 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.3.139

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.