Treating spider phobics with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A controlled study
The present study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of spider phobic subjects.
Article Abstract
“The present study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of a specific phobia. Twenty-four spider phobic subjects were randomly assigned to either (1) an EMDR group (n=8), (2) an imaginal exposure group (n=8), or (3) a control group (n=8). Both the EMDR and the imaginal exposure group underwent a one-hour treatment. The control group initially received no treatment, and waited for one hour. Next, all groups received exposure in vivo. Treatment outcome was evaluated with a standardized Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT). No evidence was found for EMDR being more effective than imaginal exposure or waiting list control. In fact, only exposure in vivo therapy resulted in significant improvement on the BAT.”
—Description from publisher
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Muris, P., & Merckelbach, H. (1997). Treating spider phobics with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A controlled study. Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 25(1), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465800015381
Date
January 1, 1997
Creator(s)
Peter Muris, Harald Merckelbach
Topics
Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
Extent
12 pages
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Rights
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1997
APA Citation
Muris, P., & Merckelbach, H. (1997). Treating spider phobics with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A controlled study. Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 25(1), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465800015381
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource
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