Errors of context and review of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing research

This critical commentary by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. discusses errors of context in her review of recent eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) research.

Article Abstract

“The development of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been marked by an emphasis on research, beginning with its introduction by a controlled study in 1989. However, misconceptions regarding the method abound. A recent inaccurate literature review demonstrates the need for more careful scrutiny. To date, 12 controlled studies have been completed in the area of PTSD, most of which support EMDR’s efficacy. Nevertheless, a careful examination of a number of studies and of a recent literature review reveal the need for greater methodological rigor and higher clinical standards in both the research and research evaluation process.”

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Shapiro, F. (1996). Errors of context and review of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing research. Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 313-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00035-3

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

“The [Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry] welcomes contributions to the understanding and treatment of psychopathology. Such contributions may stem from various theoretical perspectives. The Journal primarily focuses on (quasi)experimental tests of psychological approaches to psychopathology, though contributions from medicine, biology, sociology, or epidemiology may be considered. The same holds for non-experimental approaches (e.g., prospective approaches), which may occasionally be published if deemed relevant for the field of experimental psychopathology.”

—Description from publisher