Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories

This early article by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. aims to describe the efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure on traumatic memories. EMD was later renamed EMDR.

Article Abstract

“The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the recently developed Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) procedure on traumatic memory symptomatology. Twenty-two subjects suffering from symptoms related to traumatic memories were used in the study. All had been victims of traumatic incidents concerning the Vietnam War, childhood sexual molestation, sexual or physical assault, or emotional abuse.

Memories of the traumatic incident were pivotal to the presenting complaints which included intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, and relationship problems. Dependent variables were (1) anxiety level, (2) validity of a positive self-statement/assessment of the traumatic incident, and (3) presenting complaints. These measures were obtained at the initial session and at 1- and 3-month follow-up sessions.

The results of the study indicated that a single session of the EMD procedure successfully desensitized the subjects’ traumatic memories and dramatically altered their cognitive assessments of the situation, effects that were maintained through the 3-month follow-up check. This therapeutic benefit was accompanied by behavioral shifts which included the alleviation of the subjects’ primary presenting complaints.”

—Description from publisher

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Shapiro, F. (1989). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199-223. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.2490020207

About the Author

Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. (1948–2019) was the founder of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A licensed psychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute (CA), she founded the EMDR Institute and encouraged the development of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Dr. Shapiro authored many books and articles including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures in its 3rd edition in 2018, and Getting past your past: Take control of your life with self-help techniques from EMDR therapy (2012). She was a frequent presenter and teacher and won numerous awards including the California Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology Award in 1993 and the International Sigmund Freud Award for Psychotherapy in 2002.

About the Journal

“Journal of Traumatic Stress is an interdisciplinary forum for the publication of peer-reviewed original papers on biopsychosocial aspects of trauma. Papers focus on theoretical formulations, research, treatment, prevention education/training, and legal and policy concerns. It is the official publication of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).”

—Description from publisher