Group EMDR therapy for disaster-affected adolescents: Evaluating effectiveness and navigating implementation challenges in PTSD, depression, and anxiety

This study evaluated the effectiveness of EMDR group therapy on adolescents affected by the February 6 earthquakes in Hatay, Turkey.

Article Abstract

“Background: Although not all adolescents experience post-traumatic stress disorder following natural disasters, this population remains highly susceptible to trauma-related symptoms due to developmental and neurobiological vulnerability factors after being exposed to natural disasters.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) group therapy on adolescents affected by the February 6 earthquakes in Hatay, focusing on post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and resilience levels.

Methods: A total of 120 adolescents aged 13 and 14 years from earthquake affected regions participated in a convergent mixed-methods study, including 62 participants in the study group and 58 participants in the control group. completed the Revised Child Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Participants Scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and linear regression. Qualitative responses to open-ended questions about perceived barriers and facilitators were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results: This study demonstrated that EMDR group therapy was effective in reducing trauma symptoms, alleviating depression and anxiety, and increasing psychological resilience in adolescents experiencing post-earthquake trauma. Quantitative analyses revealed significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression scores, while qualitative analyses indicated that rebuilding a sense of security, group support, and creative expression (drawing, safe place exercises) played a healing role.

Conclusions: EMDR group therapy plays an effective role in reducing post-traumatic stress and improving emotional regulation skills in post-disaster adolescents. Qualitative data demonstrate that the “safe place” exercise and family support play a fundamental role in rebuilding a sense of trust. These results demonstrate the centrality of emotional safety and group-based support mechanisms in the post-disaster psychological recovery process. The findings support the potential of EMDR as a trauma-healing tool not only at the individual but also at the community level.”

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Article Access

Open Access 

Filazoglu Cokluk, G. (2026). Group EMDR therapy for disaster-affected adolescents: Evaluating effectiveness and navigating implementation challenges in PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1691529. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1691529

About the Journal

“Frontiers in Psychiatry is an interdisciplinary journal that focuses on translational and ‘bench-to-beside’ approaches to improve therapeutic options for mental illness and consequently to improve patient treatment outcomes.”

—Description from publisher