Spirituality, faith incorporation, and self-efficacy within eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

The purpose of this correlational-predictive study was to explore how EMDR treatment may produce shifts in spirituality in clients within the context of the United States.

Resource Abstract

“The purpose of this correlational-predictive study was to determine if and to what extent spirituality (belief in God, search for meaning, mindfulness, and feeling of security) and the incorporation of faith into eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, individually or combined, predict self-efficacy for personal recovery for those who completed EMDR treatment in the United States. The 3 theoretical models used to conduct this study were the adaptive information processing theory, Fowler’s stages of faith development theory, and Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The sample size was 143 participants. Data were collected with Hardt’s Spirituality Questionnaire and the Self-Efficacy for Personal Recovery Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used, indicating that spirituality and faith incorporation into EMDR psychotherapy, combined, showed statistically significant results. The variables that predicted self-efficacy for personal recovery were search for meaning, mindfulness, and sense of security. Belief in God and therapist incorporation of faith into EMDR psychotherapy treatment did not predict self-efficacy for personal recovery. The results of this study contribute information regarding the incorporation of spirituality into mental health, specifically encouraging EMDR-trained therapists to consider incorporating dimensions that provided statistically significant results. The implications of how EMDR produces shifts in one’s spirituality when intentionally incorporated and recommendations for further study are discussed.”

—Description from publisher

Resource Access

Open Access

Alcántara, C. (2025). Spirituality, faith incorporation, and self-efficacy within eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 19, Article 0016. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0016