Francine Shapiro Library ~ EMDR Bibliography

Francine Shapiro Library - EMDR Bibliography Links

Choose any combination of the search options below. If you do not wish to include an option in your search, leave the box blank, or select "Any."

Year:
Format:
Language:
Title of Article or Chapter:
Title of Book or Journal:
Author's Last Name:
Keywords:

Your Results - you searched for the keyword Emotionality 65 Results

1. 張素凰、李元華 [Chang Sue-Hwang, & Li Yuan-Hua]. (2003年，10月). 眼動和情緒：眼球運動的作用在治療機制 EMDR的。 [Eye movement and emotionality: The role of eye movement in the therapeutic mechanism of EMDR]. 論文發表在第42屆大會的中國心理學會，輔仁大學，台灣 [Presentation at the 42nd annual conference of the Chinese Psychological Association, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan] NSC 91-2815-C-002-125-H.

Language: Chinese

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Shapiro 認為演動訊息在處理法（EMDR）治療程序中規律的多次快速動眼作業有助於創傷記憶的處理 (Shapiro, 1989a)，但其可能涉及的療效機制之研究尚少。本研究擬從工作記憶模式的角度來探討動眼作業在 EMDR 的療效機制。根據工作記憶模式(working memory model)，動眼作業可視為一種爭奪工作記憶中視覺和空間訊息處理能力(VSSP)系統資源的干擾作業。因此，當回憶創傷事件時，施以動眼作業可降低創傷受害者對於創傷事件記憶的清晰程度，並降低患者對於創傷事件的情緒反應，以達到某種程度的治療目的。實驗一（N = 120）採動眼作業（有、無）× 圖片的性質（正向、負向）× 時間（前測、後測）的三因子混合設計，依變項為圖片影像的清晰度與情緒感受度。實驗二（N = 120）採動眼作業（有、無）× 刺激材料的性質（圖片、影片）× 時間（前測、後測）的三因子混合設計，依變項同實驗一。實驗一與實驗二的結果皆顯示，如同工作記憶模式的預期，動眼作業造成VSSP 所同時處理的影像訊息的清晰度降低，此結果與工作記憶模式的預期一致。另外，本研究亦顯示動眼作業亦造成情緒感受度降低。上述結果顯示動眼作業可能具有臨床治療上的功效，且可藉由工作記憶模式瞭解其療效機制。本研究亦對結果所顯示的意義與未來研究方向提出討論

Eye‐movement desensitization‐reprocessing therapy (EMDR) has recently been the new effective technique to treat post‐traumatic stress disorder and other disorders. Contrasted with other psychotherapies, eye‐movements are the novel component. According to the working memory model, eye‐movements could reduce the vividness of distressing images and the intensity of the emotion associated with the images. In this study, we designed two experiments to test the effects of eye‐ movements on vividness and emotionality of imagery. In Experiment 1, with positive and negative photos as stimuli, the results showed that eye movements significantly reduced the vividness and emotionality of traumatic images. In Experiment 2, with negative photos and negative films as stimuli, we also found eye‐movements significantly reduced the vividness and emotionality of traumatic images. The implications and future research possibilities are discussed.

Keywords: Emotionality Eye Movements Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Vividness Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

2. 李元華 [Li Yuan-Hua]. (2008). 眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法中的療效機制探討：干擾自然眼動對回憶的影響 [The therapeutic mechanism of eye movements in EMDR: The effect of interrupting spontaneous eye movements during recollections]. 國立台灣大學心理學研究所，台灣 [National Taiwan University Graduate Institute of Psychology, Taiwan].

Language: Chinese

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
李元華眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法中的療效機制探討：干擾自然眼動對回憶的影響臺灣大學
本研究探討雙側眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法(Eye movement Desensitization and reprocessing; EMDR)中的所扮演的角色，過去研究認為雙側眼動可以降低回憶時的影像鮮明度與情緒強度。本研究除了擬再次驗證此一論點外，同時也提出進一步的假設：雙側眼動干擾了個體在回憶創傷經驗時的自然眼動，進而降低其在回憶時的影像畫面清晰度以及情緒強度。參與者為132名的修習普通心理學的台大學生。本研究操弄三種不同的眼動方式來探討不同的眼動干擾對正、負向自傳式回憶的影像鮮明程度、情緒強度以及心跳速率的影響，並且也記錄了參與者在回憶時自然眼動的方向性，即CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements)。本研究所操弄的眼動變項為眼動組、凝視組以及自然回憶組，眼動組又可分為水平眼動以及垂直眼動二操弄組、凝視組又可分為左凝視與右凝視二操弄組。結果顯示CLEMs的方向性在正負向回憶中是一致的，整體來說偏右向次數大於左向，此並不符合情緒側化理論或情緒右腦理論。另外，相較於非眼動組，眼動組對鮮明度與情緒強度的下降程度最大，凝視組次之，自然回憶組則有上升趨勢。在眼動組中水平或垂直眼動的操弄在鮮明度與情緒強度上並無差異，而凝視組中的右凝視操弄組對影像鮮明度以及情緒強度的下降程度較左凝視操弄組大，此結果並不支持水平雙側眼動的特別療效，也不支持情緒側化理論，而較可能支持情緒右腦理論。在負向回憶時的心跳速率指標方面，眼動組並無上升趨勢，但非眼動組則有上升趨勢出現。研究結果支持眼動干擾了個體在回憶創傷經驗時的自然眼動，進而降低其在回憶時的影像畫面清晰度以及情緒強度。本研究最後對各眼動理論做了討論以提出整合性的觀點。

This study examines the role of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Previous studies have pointed that eye movements could decrease the vividness and emotionality during imagery. Besides replicating previous studies, this study proposes a hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Participants are 132 NTU undergraduate students enrolled in the general psychology course. This study manipulates three conditions of eye movements in order to realize the effect of different interruptions to vividness, emotionality and heart rate during positive and negative autobiographic recollections. It also records the directions of spontaneous eye movements during recall, namely CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements). The three conditions of the experiment are eye movement, gaze and mere imagery conditions. The eye movement condition is divided into horizontal and vertical movement groups and the gaze condition is divided into left and right gaze groups. Results show that the directions of CLEMs in positive and negative recollections are coherent, however the numbers of rightward gazes are more than leftward gazes. The valence-specific laterality hypothesis and the right hemisphere hypothesis of emotion both are not supported by the findings of CLEMs. In addition, the strongest interruption of vividness and emotionality is eye movement condition, followed by the gaze condition, while increasing in mere imagery condition. Vividness and emotionality are not significantly different between the horizontal and the vertical eye movement groups in the eye movement condition, however, the interruption of vividness and emotionality in the right gaze group is stronger than the left gaze group. According to these findings, the special effect of horizontal eye movements is not supported, neither is valence-specific laterality hypothesis. However, The right hemisphere hypothesis may be supported. In negative recollections, the heart rate does not have any trend in the eye movement condition, but increasing in gaze condition and nearly increasing in mere imagery condition. In summary, the results support the hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Lastly, the study discusses the theories of eye movements in EMDR, and proposes an integrated perspective.[Author abstract]

Keywords: Autobiographic Memory Eye Movement Valence-Specific Hypothesis

Accuracy Verified: Yes

3. 李元華 [Li YuanHua] (2008). 眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法中的療效機制探討：干擾自然眼動對回憶的影響 [The Therapeutic Mechanism of Eye Movements in EMDR: The effect of interrupting spontaneous eye movements during recollections]. 國立台灣大學，台灣 [National Taiwan University, Graduate Institute of PsychologyTaiwan].

Language: Chinese

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
本研究探討的作用眼球運動在眼動脫敏和再加工（EMDR的）。以往的研究指出，眼球運動能降低生動性和情感中的圖像。除了複製以前的研究，本研究提出一個假設：雙側眼球運動中斷了病人的自發性眼球運動創傷的回憶中，減少了生動性和情感性的意象。參加者為 132台大本科生參加了普通心理學課程。本研究操縱三個條件眼球運動，以實現不同的效果中斷生動，情緒和心率在正面和負面的自傳回憶。它也記錄眼球運動方向的自發召回期間，即克萊姆斯（共軛側眼動）。這三個條件的實驗是眼球運動，僅僅是圖像的目光和條件。眼動條件分為水平和垂直運動的團體和凝視條件分為左，右的目光群體。結果表明，該方向的克萊姆斯在正面和負面的回憶是一致的，但數字的右向左凝視超過凝視。價的具體偏側假說和右半球假說的情感都是不支持的調查結果克萊姆斯。此外，最強的中斷生動，情感的是眼睛的運行狀況，其次是凝視條件，而僅僅是提高圖像的條件。生動性和情緒之間沒有顯著不同的水平和垂直眼球運動團體在眼球運動狀況，但是，中斷的生動性和情緒在右凝視組強於左側凝視小組。根據這些發現，特效水平眼球運動不支持，也不是價的具體偏側假說。然而，右半球假說可能得到支持。在負的回憶，心率沒有任何的趨勢，在眼球運動的條件，但越來越多的目光幾乎增加條件和單純的意象條件。總之，結果支持這一假設：雙側眼球運動中斷了病人的自發性眼球運動創傷的回憶中，減少了生動性和情感性的意象。最後，本研究探討的理論眼球運動在EMDR的，並提出一個綜合觀點。

This study examines the role of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Previous studies have pointed that eye movements could decrease the vividness and emotionality during imagery. Besides replicating previous studies, this study proposes a hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Participants are 132 NTU undergraduate students enrolled in the general psychology course. This study manipulates three conditions of eye movements in order to realize the effect of different interruptions to vividness, emotionality and heart rate during positive and negative autobiographic recollections. It also records the directions of spontaneous eye movements during recall, namely CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements). The three conditions of the experiment are eye movement, gaze and mere imagery conditions. The eye movement condition is divided into horizontal and vertical movement groups and the gaze condition is divided into left and right gaze groups. Results show that the directions of CLEMs in positive and negative recollections are coherent, however the numbers of rightward gazes are more than leftward gazes. The valence-specific laterality hypothesis and the right hemisphere hypothesis of emotion both are not supported by the findings of CLEMs. In addition, the strongest interruption of vividness and emotionality is eye movement condition, followed by the gaze condition, while increasing in mere imagery condition. Vividness and emotionality are not significantly different between the horizontal and the vertical eye movement groups in the eye movement condition, however, the interruption of vividness and emotionality in the right gaze group is stronger than the left gaze group. According to these findings, the special effect of horizontal eye movements is not supported, neither is valence-specific laterality hypothesis. However, The right hemisphere hypothesis may be supported. In negative recollections, the heart rate does not have any trend in the eye movement condition, but increasing in gaze condition and nearly increasing in mere imagery condition. In summary, the results support the hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Lastly, the study discusses the theories of eye movements in EMDR, and proposes an integrated perspective.

Keywords: Autobiographic Memory Valence-Specific Hypothesis

Accuracy Verified: Yes

4. 李元華, 張素凰 [Li Yuan-Hua, & Chang Sue Hwang] (2008). 眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法中的療效機制探討：干擾自然 [The therapeutic mechanism of eye movements in EMDR: the effect of interrupting spontaneous eye movements during recollections]. 臺灣大學:心理學研究所 [Taiwan: Institute of Psychology].

Language: Chinese

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
本研究探討雙側眼動在眼動減敏訊息再處理法(Eye movement Desensitization and reprocessing; EMDR)中的所扮演的角色，過去研究認為雙側眼動可以降低回憶時的影像鮮明度與情緒強度。本研究除了擬再次驗證此一論點外，同時也提出進一步的假設：雙側眼動干擾了個體在回憶創傷經驗時的自然眼動，進而降低其在回憶時的影像畫面清晰度以及情緒強度。參與者為132 名的修習普通心理學的台大學生。本研究操弄三種不同的眼動方式來探討不同的眼動干擾對正、負向自傳式回憶的影像鮮明程度、情緒強度以及心跳速率的影響，並且也記錄了參與者在回憶時自然眼動的方向性，即CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements)。本研究所操弄的眼動變項為眼動組、凝視組以及自然回憶組，眼動組又可分為水平眼動以及垂直眼動二操弄組、凝視組又可分為左凝視與右凝視二操弄組。結果顯示CLEMs 的方向性在正負向回憶中是一致的，整體來說偏右向次數大於左向，此並不符合情緒側化理論或情緒右腦理論。另外，相較於非眼動組，眼動組對鮮明度與情緒強度的下降程度最大，凝視組次之，自然回憶組則有上升趨勢。在眼動組中水平或垂直眼動的操弄在鮮明度與情緒強度上並無差異，而凝視組中的右凝視操弄組對影像鮮明度以及情緒強度的下降程度較左凝視操弄組大，此結果並不支持水平雙側眼動的特別療效，也不支持情緒側化理論，而較可能支持情緒右腦理論。在負向回憶時的心跳速率指標方面，眼動組並無上升趨勢，但非眼動組則有上升趨勢出現。研究結果支持眼動干擾了個體在回憶創傷經驗時的自然眼動，進而降低其在回憶時的影像畫面清晰度以及情緒強度。本研究最後對各眼動理論做了討論以提出整合性的觀點。

This study examines the role of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Previous studies have pointed that eye movements could decrease the vividness and emotionality during imagery. Besides replicating previous studies, this study proposes a hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Participants are 132 NTU undergraduate students enrolled in the general psychology course. This study manipulates three conditions of eye movements in order to realize the effect of different interruptions to vividness, emotionality and heart rate during positive and negative autobiographic recollections. It also records the directions of spontaneous eye movements during recall, namely CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements). The three conditions of the experiment are eye movement, gaze and mere imagery conditions. The eye movement condition is divided into horizontal and vertical movement groups and the gaze condition is divided into left and right gaze groups. Results show that the directions of CLEMs in positive and negative recollections are coherent, however the numbers of rightward gazes are more than leftward gazes. The valence-specific laterality hypothesis and the right hemisphere hypothesis of emotion both are not supported by the findings of CLEMs. In addition, the strongest interruption of vividness and emotionality is eye movement condition, followed by the gaze condition, while increasing in mere imagery condition. Vividness and emotionality are not significantly different between the horizontal and the vertical eye movement groups in the eye movement condition, however, the interruption of vividness and emotionality in the right gaze group is stronger than the left gaze group. According to these findings, the special effect of horizontal eye movements is not supported, neither is valence-specific laterality hypothesis. However, The right hemisphere hypothesis may be supported. In negative recollections, the heart rate does not have any trend in the eye movement condition, but increasing in gaze condition and nearly increasing in mere imagery condition. In summary, the results support the hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Lastly, the study discusses the theories of eye movements in EMDR, and proposes an integrated perspective.This study examines the role of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Previous studies have pointed that eye movements could decrease the vividness and emotionality during imagery. Besides replicating previous studies, this study proposes a hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Participants are 132 NTU undergraduate students enrolled in the general psychology course. This study manipulates three conditions of eye movements in order to realize the effect of different interruptions to vividness, emotionality and heart rate during positive and negative autobiographic recollections. It also records the directions of spontaneous eye movements during recall, namely CLEMs (Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements). The three conditions of the experiment are eye movement, gaze and mere imagery conditions. The eye movement condition is divided into horizontal and vertical movement groups and the gaze condition is divided into left and right gaze groups. Results show that the directions of CLEMs in positive and negative recollections are coherent, however the numbers of rightward gazes are more than leftward gazes. The valence-specific laterality hypothesis and the right hemisphere hypothesis of emotion both are not supported by the findings of CLEMs. In addition, the strongest interruption of vividness and emotionality is eye movement condition, followed by the gaze condition, while increasing in mere imagery condition. Vividness and emotionality are not significantly different between the horizontal and the vertical eye movement groups in the eye movement condition, however, the interruption of vividness and emotionality in the right gaze group is stronger than the left gaze group. According to these findings, the special effect of horizontal eye movements is not supported, neither is valence-specific laterality hypothesis. However, The right hemisphere hypothesis may be supported. In negative recollections, the heart rate does not have any trend in the eye movement condition, but increasing in gaze condition and nearly increasing in mere imagery condition. In summary, the results support the hypothesis: bilateral eye movements interrupt the patients’ spontaneous eye movements during traumatic recollections and decrease the vividness and emotionality of imagery. Lastly, the study discusses the theories of eye movements in EMDR, and proposes an integrated perspective.

Keywords: autobiographic Memory Eye Movements Valence-Specific Hypothesis

Accuracy Verified: Yes

5. 張素凰、 [Chang Sue-Hwang]. (2008年3月). 眼球運動中的作用機制 EMDR的治療：證據為基礎的研究 [Role of eye movements in the therapeutic mechanisms of EMDR: Evidence-based research]. 論文發表於2008年TACP（台灣臨床心理學協會）年度會議（第三次大會），專題討論會以證據為基礎研究在台灣第1節心理障礙，3月8-9日，政治大學，台北，台灣。（國科會91 -2413 - H型009 -鹽度-;國科會92 -2413 - H型002 -024-;國科會93 -2413 - H型002 -002-） [Presentation at the 2008 TACP (Taiwan Association of Clinical Psychology) Annual Conference (Third General Meeting), Symposium on Evidence-Based Research in Taiwan; Section of Mental Disorders, March 8-9, Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan. (NSC 91-2413-H-009-SSS-; NSC 92-2413-H-002-024-; NSC 93-2413-H-002-002-)].

Language: Chinese

Format: Conference

Abstract:
研討會以證據為基礎的研究，在台灣，部分精神疾病。（國科會 91 - 2413 - H的009 -量表中文），國家安全委員會 92 - 2413 - H的- 002 - 024 -）;國家安全委員會 93 - 2413 - H的- 002 - 002 -）眼動脫敏和再加工（EMDR;夏皮羅，1989 ，1995，2001）最近聲稱要有效地紓緩創傷後應激障礙的症狀，恐怖疾病。眼運動（電磁）是一種治療的關鍵因素，其治療機制有待澄清。在這個談話的目的是要研究系列報告，從我們的實驗室就EM的作用，治療機制 EMDR。具體來說，在EMDR程序被簡單地描述，EM的功效及工藝相比，暴露了問題。此外，對影響電磁情緒變化和生動的圖像或自傳記憶，改變數量和強度的語義協會的報告。此外，關於如何EMDR問題可能的工作，無論是電磁沒有添加任何超出了純粹接觸機制和電磁相互作用，價的刺激，他們的陳述順序進行了討論。最後，在EM的作用方面提出的刺激價為了從理論的角度來看，其臨床意義，提出和未來研究的可能性進行了討論。

Symposium on Evidence-Based Research, in Taiwan; Section of Mental Disorders. (NSC 91-2413-H-009-SSS-); NSC 92-2413-H-002-024-); NSC 93-2413-H-002-002-) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 1989, 1995, 2001) has recently been claimed to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of PTSD and phobic disorders. Eye movement (EM) was one of the crucial treatment elements, of which the therapeutic mechanisms await elucidation. The aims of this talk were to report series of studies from our lab regarding the role of EM in the therapeutic mechanism of EMDR. Specifically, after EMDR procedure being briefly described, the efficacy of EM and its process compared to exposure were addressed. Further, the effects of EM on changes of emotionality and vividness of images or autobiographic memories, and changes of amount and strength of semantic associations were reported. Also, the issues regarding how EMDR might work, whether EM did add anything beyond the mechanisms of pure exposure, and the interplay of EM, valence of stimuli, and their presentation order were discussed. Finally, the role of EM in terms of stimulus valence presentation order from theoretical point of view and its clinical implications are proposed, and future research possibilities are discussed.

Keywords: Eye Movement Exposure Symposium Therapeutic Mechanism

Accuracy Verified: Yes

6. Sime, W., (2002). Absorption, concentration, dissociation, desensitization, flow and neurofeedback: The essence of Tiger Woods performing optimally focused "In the zone". Winter Brain Meeting.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
The Absorption that allows an athlete, a surgeon, an astronaut or a musician to get into the Zone, i.e., to block out all distractions unrelated to performance has been assessed by Tellegen, Csikszentmihalyi and others in self-report measures. It occurs relatively rarely at the very highest levels and is very elusive to achieve. Qualitatively speaking, it is the phenomena of being totally immersed in the activity with time moving slowly, senses being sharpened, but pain not recognized. Thoughts and images are clear and controllable while physical performance seems effortless and automatic. To measure this phenomenon accurately and completely is not possible in a dynamic state, but to shape it's appearance and to extend duration is essential in finite psychomotor skills like golf. Physical preparation for performance is mentally grueling and fatiguing. If often results in trance-like, dis-associative and sometimes dissociative states where depersonalization is a valuable technique to block out the intense suffering and pain associated with running, swimming or bicycling. The difficulty in sport is being able to switch in and out of full alertness for some strategic tasks while remaining in the dissociative state for endurance. The experience of flow, absorption and being in the zone is to harness power and ultimately unleash explosive yet finely titrated effort. Concentration is the umbrella concept that also encompasses EMDR. The process of actively shifting eye focus from left to right while striving to hold an image or statement of emotionality is exceedingly difficult and ultimately beyond control. The combination of EMDR with neurofeedback is an innovative intervention that holds potential for greater impact in removing negative images of failed effort or in solidifying the recall of a successful effort. The neurofeedback serves to reinforce the development of greater mental stamina toward intensively focus comparable to zooming in a camera lens thus blocking out distractions and irrelevant stimuli. Enhanced quality of visualization is the desired outcome for the performance enhancement sport psychology consultant and his/her client.

Keywords: Absorption Concentration Dissociation Desensitization Flow Neurofeedback Performance Enhancement Tiger Woods The Zone

Accuracy Verified: No

7. van den Hout, M., Muris, P., Salemink, E., & Kindt, M. (2001). Autobiographical memories become less vivid and emotional after eye movements. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 40(2), 121-130. doi:10.1348/014466501163535.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Objectives: To test (1) whether eye movements during retrieval of emotional memories are followed by less vividness and less emotionality of future recollections, (2) whether this effect, if present, is stronger than the effects of a control activity (finger tapping), (3) whether the alleged effects of tapping and eye movements are stronger than a no-movement, control condition (mere imagery), (4) whether reductions in vividness and emotionality after eye movements (and finger tapping) are specific to negative memories or also occur in the case of positive memories. Method: 60 healthy volunteers recalled either positive or negative memories and scored the vividness and emotionality of the recollections. Next, memories were recalled whilst the participant was performing rapid eye movements, finger tapping, or not performing a dual task. Then participants were asked to recall the event again and to rate its vividness and emotionality. Results: Compared to finger tapping and the no-dual-task condition, recollections after eye movements made future recollections less vivid. After eye movements, but not after the other interventions, negative memories became less negative, and positive memories became less positive. Conclusion: The findings show that eye movements not only reduce vividness and emotionality of memories during the eye moving, but also affect future recollections, during which no eye movements are made. Some theoretical explanations are discussed. As to clinical implications, it is suggested that if there is a role for eye-movement-based treatments, it is very limited. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adolescents Cognitive Processes College Students Dutch Exposure Therapy Memory Impairment Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Survivors Treatment Effectiveness Young Adults

Accuracy Verified: Yes

8. Kristjánsdóttir, K., & Lee, C. W. (2011). A comparison of visual versus auditory concurrent tasks on reducing the distress and vividness of aversive autobiographical memories. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(2), 34-41. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.5.2.34.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
This study investigated the benefits of eye movement similar to that used in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on reducing the vividness and emotionality of negative autobiographical memories. It was hypothesized, based on the working memory model, that any task that disrupts working memory would reduce the vividness and emotionality of distressing memories. In addition, it was predicted that the more visual a memory, the greater the reduction in vividness by a concurrent visual task over an auditory task (counting). Thirty-six nonclinical participants were asked to recall an unpleasant autobiographical memory while performing each of three dual-attention tasks: eye movement, listening to counting, or control (short exposure). Results showed that vividness and emotionality ratings of the memory decreased significantly after eye movement and counting, and that eye movement produced the greatest benefit. Furthermore, eye movement facilitated greater decrease in vividness irrespective of the modality of the memory. Although this is not consistent with the hypothesis from a working memory model of mode-specific effects, it is consistent with a central executive explanation. Implications for enhancing exposure treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are discussed.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memory Counting Method Eye Movement Vividness Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

9. Eidhof, M. B. (2012). The contribution of emotion to the effects of EMDR. Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Until now, the effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), has been best explained by Working Memory (WM) theory. Research on the effects of EMDR has always concerned emotional memory, even though the WM account does not consider the emotional element in EMDR. Insights from neuroscience about emotion and its role in the consolidating of stimuli have led to questions that WM theory cannot address. Therefore, the present study introduces the WM/emotion theory on EMDR, which complements WM theory by incorporating knowledge about emotion and its expected role in EMDR treatment. WM/emotion theory expects emotion to play an important role in EMDR treatment, because the re-experiencing of emotion during the recall of an (traumatic) emotional memory seems to enhance (re)consolidation of the ‘blurred’ (as a result of taxing the WM) memory. If this is true, it means EMDR treatment would only affect memories with high emotional charge, and EMDR would be less effective with neutral memories. To test this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted in which negative emotional- and neutral memories of participants were treated with a lab version of EMDR (recall + eye movements (Recall+EM’s)) or a control intervention (Recall-only). It was expected that after Recall + EM’s the reduction of the vividness (and emotionality) would be larger for emotional memories than for neutral memories.It was found that after Recall+EM’s only the vividness (and emotionality) of emotional memories was reduced. The results of the present study suggest that emotion is a crucial element in EMDR treatment and knowledge about the workings of EMDR should be revised according to WM/emotion theory.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memories Consolidation Emotion Negative Memories Neutral Memories Reconsolidation Vividness Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

10. Bauman, W., & Melnyk, W. (1994, Mar). A controlled comparison of eye movements and finger tapping in the treatment of test anxiety. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 25(1), 29-33. doi:10.1016/0005-7916(94)90060-4.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
15 pairs of introductory statistics students, matched on initial test anxiety, were randomly assigned to eye movement desensitization (EMD) or control (finger tapping) conditions to test whether EMD effectively treats test anxiety and, if so, whether eye movement is the critical factor. Both groups had significant decreases in subjective units of disturbance during treatment, suggesting that another source of attenuation of elicited anxiety may be as effective as eye movement in reducing anxiety. There was a significant decrease in Test Anxiety Inventory Emotionality Scale scores from pretest to follow up for both groups, but mixed results on the Worry Scale and total anxiety scores. [Author Abstract]

Keywords: Adults Anxiety Disorders College Students EMD Life Experiences Survivor Treatment Effectiveness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

11. van den Hout, M. A., Engelhard, I. M., Smeets, M. A. M., Hornsveld, H., Hoogeveen, E., de Heer, E., Toffolo, M. B. J., & Rijkeboer, M. (2010, April). Counting during recall: Taxing of working memory and reduced vividness and emotionality of negative memories. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24(3), 303-311. doi:10.1002/acp.1677.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
While initially subject to debate, meta-analyses have shown that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is effective in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Earlier studies showed that eye movements during retrieval of emotional memories reduce their vividness and emotionality, which may be due to both tasks competing for limited working memory (WM)resources. This study examined whether another secondary task that taxes WM has beneficial effects, and whether the stronger the taxing, the stronger the reductions in vividness/adversity. A reaction time (RT) paradigm showed that counting backwards requiresWMresources, and that more complex counting is more demanding than simple counting. Relative to a retrieval-only condition, counting during retrieval of emotional memories reduced vividness and emotionality during later recall of these memories. However, the counting conditions did not differ in the magnitude of this reduction, and did not show the predicted dose-response relationship. Implications for a working-memory explanation of EMDR and for clinical practice are discussed. Copyright#2010 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: Counting Reaction Time Paradigm Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

12. Ligeon, S. N. (2011). De invloed van oogbewegingen en klikjes op de naarheid en levendigheid van negatieve herinneringen [The influence of eye movements and clicks into the nature and vibrancy of negative memories]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely applied therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this therapy patients make eye movements while recalling traumatic memories. It is suggested that EMDR taxes working memory and this reduces ratings of the vividness and emotionality of traumatic memories. Although this has been studied extensively for the effectiveness of eye movements, research on bilateral beeps is scarce. Whit a sample of 42 students we compared the effectiveness of eye movements and bilateral beeps. Results indicate that eye movements are more effective in reducing vividness and emotionality of negative memories. Indirectly testing a mechanism proposed by the Working Memory Theory, we found that participants with a larger working memory focused their attention more on the memory as compared to students with a smaller working memory. In sum we conclude that bilateral beeps are inferior to eye movements in the reduction of vividness and emotionality of memories

Keywords: Intrusive Memory Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Startle Reflex Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

13. Littel, M. (2013, April). De rol van emotionaliteit op de effectiviteit van EMDR [The role of emotionality in the effectiveness of EMDR]. In Onderzoek track 1 and 2. Presentatie op Het congres EMDR Vereniging EMDR Nederland, Nijmegen, Nederland.

Language: Dutch

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Als tijdens het ophalen van een autobiografische herinnering een andere taak wordt uitgevoerd die het werkgeheugen belast, zoals het maken van oogbewegingen, wordt de herinnering waziger terug opgeslagen: de levendigheid en emotionaliteit van de herinnering neemt af. Dit fenomeen kan verklaren waarom EMDR zo goed werkt als behandeling voor PTSD. Al het onderzoek dat tot nu toe gedaan is naar de effecten van oogbewegingen op herinneringen maakte gebruik van emotionele (positieve/negatieve) herinneringen. In de huidige presentatie zal worden ingegaan op de rol van deze emotionaliteit op de effectiviteit van EMDR. Uit onderzoek blijkt dat emotionele gebeurtenissen beter en gedetailleerder in het geheugen worden opgeslagen dan neutrale gebeurtenissen. Dit gebeurt als gevolg van verhoogde emotionele arousal, ofwel verhoogde afgifte van diverse stoffen in het brein, met als belangrijkste noradrenaline. Als noradrenaline wordt geblokkeerd met medicatie worden emotionele gebeurtenissen namelijk even slecht onthouden als neutrale. Ook tijdens het ophalen van emotionele herinneringen ontstaat er emotionele arousal. En het blokkeren van noradrenaline na het ophalen van een emotionele herinnering zorgt ervoor dat deze minder intens wordt terug opgeslagen in het geheugen. Emotionaliteit zorgt dus voor betere geheugen (re)consolidatie. De vraag is nu of het feit dat de in EMDR opgehaalde herinneringen emotioneel geladen zijn belangrijk is voor de effectiviteit van EMDR. En zo ja, zorgt de emotionele arousal die vrijkomt er dan voor dat de wazig-gemaakte herinneringen beter worden opgeslagen in het geheugen? Of werkt het op een andere manier? In de huidige presentatie zullen de resultaten worden besproken van een studie waarin onderzocht is of ook levendige neutrale herinneringen, net als emotionele herinneringen, door oogbewegingen minder levendig kunnen worden. Voorts zullen plannen besproken worden voor een studie naar oogbewegingen waarin emotionele arousal gemanipuleerd wordt. Ook zullen wetenschappelijke en klinische implicaties worden besproken.

If during the retrieval of autobiographical memories another task that taxed working memory, such as making eye movements, the reminder is stored back blurred: the vividness and emotionality of the memory decreases. This phenomenon may explain why EMDR works so well as a treatment for PTSD. All the research done so far has been on the effects of eye movements made use of emotional memories (positive / negative) memories. In the current presentation will discuss the role of emotionality on the effectiveness of EMDR. Studies show that emotional events better and more detailed in the memory than neutral events. This happens due to increased emotional arousal, or increased release of various substances in the brain, the main noradrenaline. If norepinephrine is blocked with medication emotional events are remembered because as bad as neutral. During the retrieval of emotional memories creates emotional arousal. And blocking norepinephrine after getting an emotional memory makes it less intense back stored in memory. Emotionality thus provides better memory (re) consolidation. The question now is whether the fact that the EMDR retrieved emotionally charged memories are important for the effectiveness of EMDR. And if so, will the emotional arousal released sure the blurry-made memories are better stored in memory? Whether it works in a different way? In the current presentation, the results are discussed from a study which investigated is whether vivid memories neutral, like emotional memories, by eye movements may be less vivid. Further plans will be discussed for a study of eye movements in which emotional arousal is manipulated. Also, scientific and clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Emotionality

Accuracy Verified: Yes

14. Rijken, T. A. (2012). De werkzaamheid van eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Ondersteuning voor een afleidingstheorie [The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Support for a theoretical derivation]. Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
De eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) interventie wordt veelvoudig gebruikt in de gezondheidszorg en is een van de meest onderzochte interventies voor posttraumatische stress-stoornis. De populariteit van deze interventie kan mede worden toegeschreven aan de aangetoonde werkzaamheid van EMDR voor het verminderen van traumasymptomen. EMDR is een behandeling die bedoeld is om de helderheid en aversiviteit van traumaherinneringen te verminderen. Tijdens de interventie staat het ophalen van traumatische herinneringen en tegelijkertijd het maken van oogbewegingen centraal. De laatste jaren zijn labstudies toegepast om te achterhalen hoe EMDR precies werkt. Uit deze studies blijkt dat de belasting van het werkgeheugen door een duale taak een belangrijk component van EMDR is. Het werkgeheugen heeft namelijk een beperkte capaciteit. Dit zorgt ervoor dat er minder capaciteit beschikbaar is voor de traumatische herinnering wanneer deze tijdens de behandeling wordt belast met een taak (bv. oogbewegingen). De werkgeheugentheorie is bruikbaar, maar er is wellicht een simpelere verklaring voor de werkzaamheid van EMDR: afleiding. Het is praktisch te weten hoe EMDR werkt zodat er meer duidelijkheid ontstaat over hoe EMDR precies moet worden toegepast. Daarnaast is het begrip van de werking van EMDR belangrijk voor het vaststellen van eventuele bruikbaarheid bij meerdere stoornissen. Het doel van huidig experiment is het kritisch onderzoeken of er een verschil is tussen het ophalen van een negatieve herinnering met een visuele afleidingstaak en het ophalen van een negatieve herinnering met het maken van oogbewegingen op de mate van levendigheid en emotionaliteit. Daarnaast dient het onderzoek als replicatie van Kavanagh et al. (2001) die hetzelfde beoogde te onderzoeken, maar geen rekening hield met de cognitieve belasting van de taken. Uit de resultaten van het huidige onderzoek blijkt dat de oogbewegingstaak en de visuele afleidingstaak verschillen in de mate van vertraging op de reactietijdtaak. De oogbewegingen leiden tot een grotere vertraging. Desondanks laten de resultaten van het experiment zien dat tijdens het toepassen van de interventies de visuele ruis tot grotere reductie van zowel levendigheid als emotionaliteit leidt in vergelijking met de oogbewegingen en het niets doen. Oogbewegingen laten intermediaire resultaten zien. Het lijkt er op dat de resultaten in strijd zijn met de gangbare werkgeheugentheorie en de ‘afleidingstheorie’ ondersteunen als verklaring voor de werkzaamheid van EMDR. Het is wellicht afleiding dat voldoende zou kunnen zijn om de werkzaamheid van EMDR te bewerkstelligen. Meer onderzoek is nodig om deze resultaten te ondersteunen.

The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) intervention is multiple used in health care and is one of the most studied treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. The popularity of this intervention may also be attributed to the demonstrated efficacy of EMDR for reducing trauma symptoms. EMDR is a treatment designed to reduce the brightness and aversiviteit memories of trauma reduction. During the intervention is retrieving traumatic memories while making eye movements centrally. In recent years labstudies used to determine how EMDR works. These studies show that the load on working memory by a dual task is an important component of EMDR. The memory has a limited capacity ie. This ensures that there is less capacity available for the traumatic memory during treatment when it is subjected to a task (eg eye movements). The working memory theory is useful, but there may be a simpler explanation for the efficacy of EMDR: distraction. It is practical to know how EMDR works so that more clarity about exactly how EMDR should be applied. In addition, the concept of the operation of EMDR important for determining the potential usefulness in multiple disorders. The purpose of the present experiment is to critically examine whether there is a difference between getting a negative memory with a visual distraction task and retrieval of a negative memory making eye movements on the degree of vividness and emotionality. Research must also as a replication of Kavanagh et al (2001) that the same was intended to investigate, but took no account of the cognitive load of the tasks. The results of the present study show that the oogbewegingstaak and visual distraction task differences in the extent of delayed response task. The eye movements lead to a longer delay. Nevertheless, the results of the experiment show that while applying the intervention visual noise to greater reduction in both vividness and emotionality results in comparison with the eye movements and do nothing. Eye movements show intermediate results. It seems that the results are contrary to the usual working memory theory and the "distraction theory 'support as an explanation for the efficacy of EMDR. It might distractions that may be sufficient to establish the efficacy of EMDR to achieve. More research is needed to support these results.

Keywords: Theory Derivation Working Memory Theory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

15. Maxfield, L. (2007). Editorial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1(1), 4-5. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.1.1.4.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Excerpt: EMDR has come a long way in the 20 years since Francine Shapiro’s 1987 walk in the park. At that time, she noticed that rapid eye movements decreased the emotionality of some intrusive memories, and she intuitively recognized that this phenomenon had great clinical utility. Shapiro went on to develop a treatment approach (Shapiro, 1989) that has been taught to more than one hundred thousand clinicians worldwide and that has eliminated the distress of many millions of clients. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 2001) is a structured psychotherapy approach and was designed to facilitate the processing of distressing memories. Its efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been widely acknowledged, and EMDR is a recommended therapy in numerous international guidelines.

Keywords: Editorial

Accuracy Verified: Yes

16. Hornsveld, H., & van den Hout, M. (2010, April). Een serie experimenten naar oogbewegingen en klikjes: Wat werkt beter? [A series of experiments on eye movements and clicks, what works better?]. Presentatie op de suxth congres van de Vereniging EMDR Nederlands, Nijmegen, Nederlands.

Language: Dutch

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Er zijn verschillende theorieën over de werkingsmechanismen van EMDR. De belangrijkste theorieën zullen kort worden toegelicht en het wetenschappelijk bewijs ervoor samengevat. Vervolgens zullen we een serie eigen experimenten presenteren: drie studies bij studenten en één studie bij PTSS- patiënten. In deze experimenten zullen oogbewegingen telkens worden vergeleken met andere taakjes of stimuli. Implicaties voor de theorievorming en voor de klinische praktijk zullen worden bediscussieerd tijdens de workshop aan de hand van stellingen. Exp 1 laat zien dat de positieve bevindingen voor oogbewegingen (ten opzichte van een controle conditie) ook gevonden worden bij negatieve herinneringen aan een verlieservaring. Dit geeft een empirische basis voor de suggestie dat EMDR ook zinvol toegepast kan worden bij gecompliceerde rouw. Exp 2 gaat over het werkgeheugen en een eventuele dosis respons relatie. Met andere woorden: geven taken die een grotere belasting voor het werkgeheugen vormen ook grotere SUD-dalingen? Exp 3 Laat zien dat de werkgeheugenbelasting van oogbewegingen veel groter is dan van de bekende koptelefoon met klikjes. Vervolgens vergelijken we de werkzaamheid van oogbewegingen, klikjes, en een controle-conditie bij studenten die negatieve herinneringen ophalen. Exp 4 is een klinische studie bij PTSS patiënten, waarbij we oogbewegingen, klikjes en controle (herinneringsbeeld zonder bilaterale stimulatie) met elkaar vergelijken. Verwacht wordt dat de eerste voorlopige data tijdens het congres beschikbaar zijn.
Hornsveld, H., Landwehr, F., Stein, W., Stomp, G., Smeets, M. &. van den Hout, M. (2010). Emotionality of loss-related memories is reduced after retrieval plus eye movements but not after retrieval plus music or retrieval only. Submitted.
Hout, M.A. van den, Engelhard, I.M., Rijkeboer, M., Koekebakker, J., Hornsveld, H. Toffolo, M., & Akse, N. (2010). Eye movements tax working memory, but binaural stimulation does not. Manuscript in preparation.
Hout, M.A. van den,, Engelhard, I., Smeets, M, Hornsveld, H., Hoogeveen, E., de Heer, E. & Rijkeboer, M. ( 2010). Counting during recall: taxing of working memory and reduced vividness and emotionality of negative memories. In press, Applied Cognitive Psychology.

There are several theories about the mechanisms of action of EMDR. The main theories will be briefly explained and summarized the scientific evidence before. Then we will present a series of own experiments: studies in three students and a study in PTSD patients. In these experiments will be compared with each eye movement or other minor assignments stimuli. Implications for theory and for clinical practice will be discussed during the workshop by means of propositions. Exp 1 shows that the positive findings for eye movements (compared to a control condition) also found associated with negative memories of a loss experience. This provides an empirical basis for the suggestion that EMDR is also useful can be used for complicated grief. Exp 2 is about memory and a possible dose response relationship. In other words, tasks that give a greater burden on working memory are also larger SUD decreases? Exp 3 Shows that the memory load of eye movements is much greater than the known Headphones clicks. Then we compare the efficacy of eye movements, clicks, and a control condition in which students negative memories. Exp 4 A clinical study in PTSD patients, we eye movements, clicks and control (memory image without bilateral stimulation) compared. It is expected that the preliminary data available at the conference.
Horn Field, H., Landwehr, F., Stein, W., Stump, G., Smeets, M. &. van den Hout, M. (2010). Emotionality or loss-related pleadings Reduced after retrieval plus eye movements but not after retrieval or retrieval plus music only. Submitted.
Wood, M.A. van den, Engelhard, IM, Rijkeboer, M., Koekebakker, J., Horn Field, H. Toffolo, M., & Akse, N. (2010). Eye movements tax working memory, but Does Not binaural stimulation. Manuscript in preparation.
Wood, M.A. van den, Engelhard, I., Smeets, M, Horn Field, H., Hoogeveen, E., Mr. E. Farmer & Rich, M. (2010). Counting consistently recall: Taxing of working memory and Reduced vivid ness and emotionality or negative statements. In press, Applied Cognitive Psychology.

Keywords: Eye Movements Mechanism of Action

Accuracy Verified: Yes

17. Ernst, R. (2011, Juli). Effectiviteit van oogbewegingen, klikjes en geen dubbeltaak bij EMDR in een klinische steekproef [Effectiveness of eye movements, clicks and no double task of EMDR in a clinical sample]. Utrecht: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Een werkgeheugen rekening van Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is op grote schaal ondersteund door laboratoriumonderzoek. Taken die belasting werkgeheugen voldoende Het een traumatische gebeurtenis herinneren terwijl het verminderen van emotionaliteit en levendigheid van traumatische herinneringen. Vaak therapeuten vervangen EMDR-Eye Movements met minder belasten binaurale piept, terwijl de laatste Suggest Sommige onderzoeken zijn inferieur aan oogbewegingen. De huidige studie direct vergelijken oogbewegingen en piept met EMDR in een klinisch monster. In een within-subjects design, 51 patiënten verwezen voor EMDR traumatherapie Hun herinneringen herinnerde tijdens het (a) het maken van gaten horizontale bewegingen, (b) binauraal luisteren naar pieptonen en (c) gericht op een punt (controle). Volgorde van de stimulaties gerandomiseerde WAS Deelnemers en Elke stimulatie over duurde zes minuten. De resultaten toonden aan dat oogbewegingen emotionaliteit en levendigheid van de herinnering reduceert aanzienlijk meer dan de controle, terwijl de emotionaliteit Meer met aanzienlijk minder in de buurt van oogbewegingen dan met pieptonen. Geen significante verschillen in Vermindering van levendigheid en emotionaliteit Beide werden gevonden tussen piept en controle. Hun trauma patiënten gewaardeerd meestal visuele herinneringen, terwijl meer in de buurt van visuele herinneringen significant geassocieerd met een grotere daling van de emotionaliteit en levendigheid met oogbewegingen. De studie ondersteunt Bewijs voor een cumulatief voordeel van oogbewegingen met EMDR. Resultaten worden besproken Deze modaliteit in termen van een specifieke werkgeheugen rekening en klinische implicaties worden besproken.

A working memory account of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been widely supported by laboratory research. Tasks that sufficiently tax working memory while recollecting a traumatic event reduce emotionality and vividness of traumatic memories. EMDR-therapists often substitute eye movements with less taxing binaural beeps, while some studies suggest the latter are inferior to eye movements. The present study directly compares eye movements and beeps with EMDR in a clinical sample. In a within-subjects design, 51 patients referred for EMDR therapy recollected their trauma memories while (a) making horizontal eye movements, (b) listening to binaural beeps and (c) focusing on one point (control). Sequence of stimulations was randomized across participants and each stimulation lasted for six minutes. Results showed that eye movements reduce emotionality and vividness of the memory significantly more than control, while emotionality reduced near significantly more with eye movements than with beeps. No significant differences in reduction of both emotionality and vividness were found between beeps and control. Patients rated their trauma memories mostly visual, while more visual memories were near significantly associated with a larger decrease of emotionality and vividness with eye movements. The study supports evidence for a cumulative benefit of eye movements with EMDR. Results are discussed in terms of a modality specific working memory account and clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Eye Movements Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

18. Johnson, M. D. (1996, June). Effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on test anxiety. Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX. AAT 9716578.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was introduced (Shapiro, 1989) as a treatment for traumatic memories. The necessity of eye movements or another activating stimuli in the treatment of test anxiety and the effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for test anxiety is the focus of the present study. This study screened subjects for adequate study skills and the presence of test anxiety, and randomly assigned 45 subjects to one of three conditions: EMDR, EMDR with no activating stimuli (EMDR/NS; eyes closed), and a no treatment control group. The results of this study suggest that EMDR and EMDR/NS were equally effective in treating test anxiety and more effective than the control group as measured by the Achievement Anxiety Test, the Emotionality scale of the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), the Subjective Units of Disturbance scale, and the Validity of Cognition scale. Test performance and the Worry Scale of the TAI were not significantly impacted by the treatment groups. The inability of EMDR to impact the worry scale or the test performance of subjects in this study draws into question the usefulness of EMDR as a treatment of test anxiety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved) Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 57(12-B), Jun 1997, pp. 7730.

Keywords: Empirical Study Test Anxiety

Accuracy Verified: Yes

19. Pastva, A. M. (2008). The effects of rhythmic and arrhythmic eye movements on memory recall. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA..

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy that treats many trauma-related disorders by requiring patients to perform rapid eye movements, has raised controversy because it lacks the support of a proven theoretical rationale. A recent theoretical explanation proposes that the eye movements reduce the vividness of the distressing images by disrupting the function of the visuospatial sketchpad (VSSP) of working memory, but support for this model has been weakened by methodological flaws that the current study attempted to overcome. The present study compared the effects of tracking rhythmic and arrhythmic stimuli on the recall of arousing television shock-ads. Eye-movement conditions did not significantly differ in terms of vividness, emotionality, or accuracy of memory as compared to the control condition. Arrhythmic targets increased the negative emotional response and decreased the vividness of the memories, but neither rhythmic nor arrhythmic target patterns produced responses that differed from the control condition. Heart rate recordings taken throughout the study did not suggest that arousal mediates the relationship between eye-movement patterns and vividness. The present study does not support the VSSP theory but provides valuable insights on the direction of future research.

Keywords: Eye Memory Visual perception

Accuracy Verified: Yes

20. Enright, M. B. (1995, August). The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of test anxiety. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO. AAT 9617465.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
This study explores the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of test anxiety. Thirty-five college students who scored above the 50th percentile on test anxiety were randomly assigned to either a treatment or wait-list control group. Subjects received two 1 hour sessions of EMDR. After posttesting, the control group also received EMDR treatment. The treatment group had a significant reduction in Test Anxiety Inventory total score, emotionality scale score, worry scale score, and state anxiety as compared to the control group. After treatment, the control group matched the experimental group for significant reductions on all dependent measures. The subject group as a whole had significant reductions in subjective units of distress during treatment as well as a significant increase in the validity of positive self-statements. Reductions in anxiety measures were maintained at one month follow-up. The differential effect of EMDR on subjects based on gender and pretreatment level of trait anxiety was also examined. Subjects with high trait anxiety had a greater reduction in total test anxiety, emotionality, and worry on posttesting as compared to subjects with lower trait anxiety. Males and females were found to respond equally to the treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved) Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. 57(2-B), Aug 1996, pp. 1436

Keywords: Anxiety Management College Students Empirical Study Test Anxiety Treatment of Test Anxiety Treatment Outcome/Clinical Trial

Accuracy Verified: Yes

21. van den Hout, M. A., Engelhard, I. M., Beetsma, D., Slofstra, C., Hornsveld, H., Houtveen, J., & Leer, A. (2011, December). EMDR and mindfulness. Eye movements and attentional breathing tax working memory and reduce vividness and emotionality of aversive ideation. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(4), 423-431, doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.03.004.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Methods. Working memory taxation by EM and AB was assessed in healthy volunteers by slowing down of reaction times. In a later session, participants retrieved negative memories during recall only, recall + EM and recall + AB (study 1). Under improved conditions the study was replicated (study 2). Results. In both studies and to the same degree, attentional breathing and eye movements taxed working memory. Both interventions reduced emotionality of memory in study 1 but not in study 2 and reduced vividness in study 2 but not in study 1. Limitations. EMDR is more than EM and MBCT is more than AB. Memory effects were assessed by self reports. Conclusions. EMDR and MBCT may (partly) derive their beneficial effects from taxing working memory during recall of negative ideation

Keywords: Attentional Breathing Mindfulness Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

22. Hoeven, S. B. (2010, Juli ). EMDR en de werkgeheugentheorie: Treden er spiegelbeeldige effecten op bij oogbewegingen en imaginatie? [EMDR and the working memory theory: Are there mirror-image effects of eye movements and imagination?]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
De werking van „Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing‟ (EMDR) is lange tijd onbekend gebleven, maar inmiddels zijn meerdere theorieën beschikbaar om de effecten te verklaren. De werkgeheugentheorie lijkt momenteel de theorie met de meeste wetenschappelijke ondersteuning. Het doel van het huidige onderzoek was het kritisch toetsen van de werkgeheugentheorie door het werkgeheugen te belasten met oogbewegingen tijdens het ophalen van een herinnering of maximale belasting door imaginatie en hyperconcentratie op de herinnering. Verwacht werd dat 1) oogbewegingen tijdens ophalen de herinneringen minder emotioneel, helder, compleet en waarheidsgetrouw maakt, terwijl 2) imaginatie van de herinnering resulteert in spiegelbeeldige effecten. In totaal participeerden 52 studenten verdeeld over twee experimenten, waarbij zij oogbewegingen en imaginatie aangeboden kregen tijdens het ophalen van een herinnering. Zowel oogbewegingen als imaginatie belastten het werkgeheugen in een reactietijdentaak. Imaginatie leidde tot meer complete en waarheidsgetrouwe herinneringen, terwijl voor oogbewegingen geen significante resultaten werden gevonden. Deze opmerkelijke resultaten zouden verklaard kunnen worden door de aard van de gebruikte herinneringen en de lage power van het onderzoek. De werkgeheugentheorie blijft de theorie met de meeste wetenschappelijke ondersteuning.

It has been long unknown what the mechanisms are behind Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing‟ (EMDR), meanwhile there are several theories available to explain its effects. The workingmemory (WM) account seems to be a theory with most scientific support. The effort of the present study was to critically test the WM account by taxing WM with eye movements during recall or by maximum taxation with imagination of and concentration on the memory. Hypotheses were 1) eye movements during recall reduces the emotionality, vividness, completeness and veracity of the memory, while 2) imagination increases emotionality, vividness, completeness and veracity of the memory. In total participated 52 students divided in two experiments, in a within-subjects design. Both eye movements and imagination taxed WM in a reaction time task. Imagination increased the completeness and veracity of the memories, while there were no significant results in the eye movements condition. These remarkable results could be explained by the nature of the memories that were used in the experiments and low statistical power of the experiments. The WM account remains a theory with most scientific support.

Keywords: Imagination Mirror-Image Effects

Accuracy Verified: Yes

23. Shapiro, F., Beutler, L., Norcross, J., Maxfield, L., & Rogers, S. (2002). EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, component analysis, outcome findings, and sociopolitical context. Panel discussion at the Society for Psychotherapy Research International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This panel presentation addresses ecological validity, process factors, methodological variables, and sociopolitical context in the interpretation and dissemination of outcome research. Since its introduction, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) has been the focus of controversy because of its departure from existing paradigms, its non-traditional dissemination, and immoderate claims for rapid effectiveness. This panel reviews the socio-political context in which EMDR developed and its relevance for other emerging psychotherapeutic approaches. Findings from a recent methodological meta-analysis are reviewed to provide an empirical context for assessing the range of results in different outcome studies. Specific client, therapist, and methodological variables that could account for disparities in outcome are examined and implications for interpreting research outcomes are discussed. The panel also summarizes the findings of various recent studies that identified the effects of eye movements as decreasing vividness and emotionality of memory, physiological arousal, and in-session subjective distress. Findings from two recently completed studies are reported in which both process variables and active ingredients were examined. Limitations of the group design approach to the dismantling of psychotherapies are also discussed.

Keywords: Panel Discussion

Accuracy Verified: Yes

24. Hornsveld, H. & van den Hout, M. A. (2010, June). EMDR working mechanisms research. In Research. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Hamburg, Germany.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
It has repeatedly been shown that eye movements during retrieval of negative memories reduce their emotionality. In this presentation we will present a series of analogue studies (with undergraduate students) which further investigates the role of eye movements and other dual tasks.
Study 1 shows that the positive findings for eye movements could be replicated in subjects with negative memories of experiences of loss. This provides an empirical basis for the suggestion that EMDR can be used in the treatment of complicated grief.
Study 2 examined whether another secondary task that taxes working memory has beneficial effects, and whether the stronger the taxing, the stronger the reductions in vividness adversity.
Study 3 shows that eye movements do tax working memory but right-left auditory stimulation does not.
Study 4 compared eye movements (EM), auditory bilateral stimulation (ABS) and no stimulation. Results show EM do better (i.e, larger decreases in emotionality) than ABS and ABS do better than no stimulation.
Study 5 is a replication of study 4 in PTSS patients. EM will be compared to ABS and no stimulation. Data are expected to be available in June 2010.
Objective: Implications for a working-memory explanation of EMDR and for clinical practice will be discussed.

Keywords: Mechanism of Action Research Symposium

Accuracy Verified: Yes

25. Cuijpers, A. (2012). EMDR: Experimentele studie naar de werkgeheugentheorie en introductie van de afleidingstheorie [EMDR: Experimental study of the working memory theory and introduction of the distraction theory]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) is al jaren een veelgebruikte behandelmethode voor Post-traumatische Stresstoornis (PTSS). In voorgaande onderzoeken werd een verklaringsmechanisme voor het effect van EMDR aangetoond, de werkgeheugentheorie. Deze studies lieten zien dat de kenmerkende oogbewegingen (EM) van EMDR als secundaire taak, tijdens het ophalen van de negatieve herinnering, zorgen voor een afname van emotionaliteit en levendigheid. Dit doordat beide taken competeren voor het werkgeheugen welke slechts een beperkte capaciteit heeft. Deze studie onderzoekt een nieuwe theorie, de afleidingstheorie, welk gebruik maakt van visuele ruis (VN) als alternatieve secundaire taak. Huidig onderzoek richt zich op de vraag of EMDR verklaard kan worden volgens de actieve werkgeheugen belasting van de EM-taak of volgens de passieve belasting van de VN-taak. Om beide condities te vergelijken werd middels een pilot de mate van cognitieve belasting gelijk gemaakt. Aan deze pilot namen 10 participanten deel. Uit de resultaten bleek dat een vertraagde cyclus van 8 seconde voor een gelijke belasting zorgde voor alle condities. In totaal namen er 30 participanten aan dit onderzoek deel. Het eerste deel van het onderzoek bestond uit een reactietijdtijdtaak (RT) bestaande uit RT alleen, RT+EM en RT+VN. Het tweede deel bestond uit het ophalen van de herinnering alleen, herinneren+EM en herinneren+VN. Tijdens het tweede deel werd tevens bij iedere meting de emotionaliteit en levendigheid van de herinnering gemeten. De werkgeheugentheorie voorspelt dat (a) na de interventie de mate van levendigheid en emotionaliteit bij herinneren + EM significant lager zal zijn voor de interventie en dat (b) de gemiddelde daling van de score van herinneren + EM in vergelijking met de andere twee condities groter zal zijn. De afleidingstheorie voorspelt dat (a) na de interventie de mate van levendigheid en emotionaliteit bij herinneren + VN significant lager zal zijn voor de interventie en dat (b) het gevonden effect groter is dan herinneren alleen en gelijk aan herinneren + EM. Uit de resultaten blijkt dat beide hypothesen niet bevestigd kunnen worden. Er is te zien dat visuele ruis in vergelijking met de voor- en nameting, tegen de verwachting in, bij zowel emotionaliteit als levendigheid voor een grotere daling van de scores zorgt in vergelijking met oogbewegingen en de controleconditie. Wanneer er werd gekeken naar de tussenmetingen was er te zien dat de scores van visuele ruis (oogbewegingen + levendigheid) in het midden lagen tussen herinneren alleen en oogbewegingen in. Verklaringen en aanbevelingen worden besproken.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been a commonly used method of treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In previous studies, an explanation mechanism for the effect of EMDR demonstrated the working memory theory. These studies showed that the characteristic eye movements (EM) of EMDR as a secondary task during retrieval of negative memories, ensuring a reduction of emotionality and vividness. This is because both tasks compete for the main memory to which only has a limited capacity. This study examines a new theory, the theory derivation, which uses visual noise (UN) as alternative secondary task. Current research focuses on the question whether EMDR can be explained by the active working memory load of the EM task or by the passive load of the UN mission. In order to compare both conditions was a pilot held the degree of cognitive load equal. 10 participants in this pilot took part. The results showed that a delayed cycle of 8 seconds for an equal load caused all conditions. In total there are 30 participants in this study. The first part of the study consisted of a reaction time task (RT) consisting of RT alone, RT + RT + EM and UN. The second part consisted of retrieving the memory only, recall + EM and recall + UN. During the second part was also in each measurement the emotionality and vividness of the memory were measured. The working memory theory predicts that (a) after the intervention the degree of vividness and emotionality in recall + EM significantly lower for the intervention and (b) the average decrease of the score of recall + EM compared to the other two conditions greater will be. The derivation theory predicts that (a) after the intervention the degree of vividness and emotionality in recall + UN significantly lower for the intervention and (b) the observed effect is greater than and equal to only remember remind + EM. The results show that both hypotheses can not be confirmed. It can be seen that visual noise in comparison with the pre-and post-test, contrary to expectation, both emotionality and vividness to a larger decrease in the scores causes compared with eye movements and the control condition. When it was examined between the measurements was to see that the scores of visual noise (eye movements + vividness) in the middle layer between recall and eye movements only in. Statements and recommendations are discussed.

Keywords: Distraction Memory Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

26. Blok, T. P., Casteleijn, W. N., Winkler, T. J., & Hakimi, S. (2012). EMDR: Werkgeheugenbelasting bij negatief-emotionele herinneringen [EMDR: Working memory load on negative emotional memories]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Deprocessing and Recall (EMDR) is een therapievorm waarbij met het maken van oogbewegingen getracht wordt traumatische herinneringen te verwerken. Hoewel effectief, is de werking van EMDR nog onduidelijk. Uit eerder onderzoek is gebleken dat het ophalen van neutrale herinneringen in combinatie met oogbewegingen niet, maar negatief emotionele herinnering wel leiden tot een afname van emotionaliteit en levendigheid. Dit zou verklaard kunnen worden doordat het ophalen van een emotionele herinnering meer werkgeheugencapaciteit kost dan het ophalen van een neutrale herinnering. Deze hypothese is onderzocht door bij 23 participanten een reactietijd taak af te nemen waarbij zij geen, een negatieve en een neutrale herinnering ophaalden. Zoals verwacht bleek dat het ophalen van negatieve herinneringen in combinatie met de reactietijdtaak leidde tot een significant langere reactietijd dan in de overige twee condities.

Eye Movement Deprocessing and Recall (EMDR) is a form of therapy that making eye movements attempt traumatic memories. Although effective, the operation of EMDR still unclear. Previous research has shown that the retrieval of neutral memories in combination with eye movements, but negative emotional memory or cause a decrease in emotionality and vividness. This could be explained by the retrieval of emotional memories more working memory consuming than getting a neutral reminder. This hypothesis was examined by a reaction time task in 23 participants to take off where they do not, a negative and a neutral memory fetched. As expected, it was found that the retrieval of negative memories in conjunction with the reaction time task resulted in a significantly longer reaction time than in the other two conditions.

Keywords: Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

27. Hornsveld, H. K., Landwehr, F., Stein. W., Stomp, M. P. H., Smeets, M. A. M., & van den Hout. M. A. (2010). Emotionality of loss-related memories is reduced after recall plus eye movements but not after recall plus music or recall only. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(4), 106-112. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.4.3.106.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Numerous studies have shown that eye movements during recall of negative memories reduce their emotionality. We investigated whether these findings can be extended specifically to negative memories of loss. Sixty undergraduate students participated and recalled a negative autobiographical memory of loss and performed—in counterbalanced order—three types of tasks: recall-plus-eye-movements, recall-only, and recall-plus-relaxing-music. Recall-plus-music was added to investigate whether reductions in emotionality are associated with relaxation. Levels of emotionality, relaxation, and concentration were assessed before and after each stimulus condition. Participants reported a greater decline in emotionality and concentration after eye movements in comparison to recall-only and recall-with-music. It is concluded that eye movements are effective when negative memories pertain to loss and grief, suggesting possibilities for treatment intervention in individuals suffering from complicated grief.

Keywords: Eye Movements Grief Loss Mechanism of Action Relaxation Working Memory Grief

Accuracy Verified: Yes

28. de Bok, D., & van Daalen, M. (2010, June). Exploring the mechanism underlying the working memory account of EMDR: The effect of fading in and fading out of negative and arousing images on emotionality, vividness, vividness, completeness and detail recall of traumatic memories. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychological intervention for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, the working memory account gives the best explanation for the functionality of EMDR. This account states that conducting a dual task, mostly horizontal eye movements, while retrieving a traumatic memory will make this memory less emotional, vivid and complete. It was hypothesized that the fading in and/or fading out of traumatic images are in itself causally contributing to the reduced emotionality, vividness and completeness of the recalled memories. This experimental study (N=27) examined the fading in (the image starts vague and gets more clear) and fading out (the image starts clear and gets more vague) of traumatic images as an underlying mechanism of the working memory account. By using a within-subject design, participants engaged in three conditions (fading in, fading out and control) in which they had to rate their memories on emotionality, vividness and completeness. A detail recall test was also conducted for all conditions. No significant differences were found between the three conditions on emotionality, vividness and completeness. However, a trend was found indicating that fewer details were recalled in the fading out condition. Based on these results, the hypothesis that fading in or fading out will result in diminishing emotionality, vividness and completeness was not confirmed. Shortcomings of the experiment and implications for future research are addressed

Keywords: Fading in Fading out Traumatic Image Working Memory Account

Accuracy Verified: Yes

29. Pervan, I. (2011). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Onderzoek naar het verloop van helderheid en onaangenaamheid van een negatieve herinnering [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Research on the evolution of brightness and unpleasantness of a negative memory]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:

Keywords: Clarity Emotionality Memory Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Unpleasantness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

30. Engelhard, I., & van den Hout, M. A. (2010, October). Eye movements reduce vivedness and emotionality of "flashforwards". In symposium experimental psychopathology (S. Masaraki, Chair). Presentation at the 40th Annual Meeting of European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), Milan, Italy.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Emotionality Flashforwards Psychopathology Symposium Vividness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

31. Engelhard, I. M., & van den Hout, M. A. (2010, May). Eye movements reduce vividness and emotionality of "flashforwards". Presentation at the annual meeting of Association for Psychological Science (APS), Boston, MA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Flashforwards Poster

Accuracy Verified: Yes

32. Engelhard, I., van den Hout, M. A., Janssen, W. C., & van der Beek, J. (2010, May). Eye movements reduce vividness and emotionality of “flashforwards”. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48(5), 442-447. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2010.01.003.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Earlier studies have shown that eye movements during retrieval of disturbing images about past events reduce their vividness and emotionality, which may be due to both tasks competing for working memory resources. This study examined whether eye movements reduce vividness and emotionality of visual distressing images about feared future events: "flashforwards". A non-clinical sample was asked to select two images of feared future events, which were self-rated for vividness and emotionality. These images were retrieved while making eye movements or without a concurrent secondary task, and then vividness and emotionality were rated again. Relative to the no-dual task condition, eye movements while thinking of future-oriented images resulted in decreased ratings of image vividness and emotional intensity. Apparently, eye movements reduce vividness and emotionality of visual images about past and future feared events. This is in line with a working memory account of the beneficial effects of eye movements, which predicts that any task that taxes working memory during retrieval of disturbing mental images will be beneficial.

Keywords: Anxiety Cognitive Process Eye Movements Flashforwards Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Visual Images Working memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

33. Marques, L. (2011). Het effect van oogbewegingen, klikjes en geen dubbeltaak op de emotionaliteit en levendigheid van een herinnering in EMDR in de klinische praktijk. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is één van de behandelingen van keuze voor posttraumatische stress stoornis (PTSS). Hoewel in ongeveer de helft van de EMDR behandelingen gebruik wordt gemaakt van klikjes is er slechts weinig onderzoek in de klinische praktijk gedaan naar de werkzaamheid van deze vorm van stimulatie. In dit onderzoek is het effect van oogbewegingen, klikjes en geen dubbeltaak op de emotionaliteit en levendigheid van een nare herinnering onderzocht bij 51 cliënten die een EMDR behandeling ondergingen. De behandeling als geheel bleek effectief te zijn in de afname van emotionaliteit en levendigheid. Hoewel de verschillen in effectiviteit van de stimulaties in de richting van de gestelde hypothese lagen, bleken de verschillen niet significant te zijn op een significantie niveau van 0.05. Er was een trend zichtbaar waarbij oogbewegingen effectiever lijken te zijn dan klikjes en geen dubbeltaak, waarbij klikjes effectiever lijken te zijn dan geen dubbeltaak. Deze trend biedt ondersteuning voor de werkgeheugen verklaring. Daarnaast is ook de ernst van de symptomen en de effectiviteit van de stimulaties onderzocht. Implicaties van het gehele onderzoek voor de klinische praktijk worden besproken.

Keywords: Beeps Emotionality No Dual Tasks Vividness Working Memory Account

Accuracy Verified: Yes

34. Engelhard, I. M., van den Hout, M. A., & van Uijen, S. L. (2011, May). Het vervagen van negatieve en positieve herinneringen [The blurring of negative and positive memories]. Psychologie & Gezondheid, 39(2), 61-69. doi:10.1007/s12483-011-0017-5.

Language: Dutch

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Earlier studies have shown that horizontal eye movements (EM) during retrieval of a negative memory reduce its vividness and emotionality. This may be due to both tasks competing for working memory (WM) resources. This study examined whether playing the computer game “Tetris” also blurs memory. Participants recalled negative and positive memories in three conditions: recall only, recall with concurrent EM, and recall with playing Tetris. Before and after these conditions, vividness, emotionality, and physiological startle responses during recall were measured. A reaction time task showed that EM and Tetris both draw on WM, compared to no dual-task. Compared to recall only, EMand Tetris both decreased reported emotionality and startle responses. The effects of EM and Tetris did not differ, even though the tasks differed in the degree of taxing WM. This suggests that taxing WM and its effects on emotional memories may not be linearly related. Potential clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Memory Retrieval Tetris

Accuracy Verified: Yes

35. Gunter, R. W. (2007, 2008). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working memory account. University of Calgary, Canada. AAT NR44352.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can reduce ratings of the vividness and emotionality of unpleasant memories--hence it is commonly used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. The present experiments compared three accounts of how eye movements produce these benefits. Participants rated unpleasant autobiographical memories before and after eye movements or an eyes stationary control condition. In Experiment 1, eye movements produced benefits only when memories were held in mind during the movements, and eye movements increased arousal, contrary to an investigatory-reflex account. In Experiment 2, horizontal and vertical eye movements produced equivalent benefits, contrary to an interhemispheric-communication account. In Experiment 3, two other distractor tasks (auditory shadowing, drawing) produced benefits that were negatively correlated with working memory capacity. These findings support a working-memory account of the eye movement benefit in which the central executive is taxed when a person performs a distractor task while attempting to hold a memory in mind.

Keywords: Eye Movements Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

36. Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2008, August). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working-memory account. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(8), 913-931. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2008.04.006.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can reduce ratings of the vividness and emotionality of unpleasant memories—hence it is commonly used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. The present experiments compared three accounts of how eye movements produce these benefits. Participants rated unpleasant autobiographical memories before and after eye movements or an eyes stationary control condition. In Experiment 1, eye movements produced benefits only when memories were held in mind during the movements, and eye movements increased arousal, contrary to an investigatory-reflex account. In Experiment 2, horizontal and vertical eye movements produced equivalent benefits, contrary to an interhemispheric-communication account. In Experiment 3, two other distractor tasks (auditory shadowing, drawing) produced benefits that were negatively correlated with working-memory capacity. These findings support a working-memory account of the eye movement benefits in which the central executive is taxed when a person performs a distractor task while attempting to hold a memory in mind.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memory Eye Movements Psychotherapy Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

37. Engelhard, I. M., van Uijen, S. L., & van den Hout, M. A. (2010, December). The impact of taxing working memory on negative and positive memories. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 1, 5623,[8 pages]. doi:10.3402/ejpt.v1i0.5623.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Background: Earlier studies have shown that horizontal eye movement (EM) during retrieval of a negative memory reduces its vividness and emotionality. This may be due to both tasks competing for working memory (WM) resources. This study examined whether playing the computer game ‘‘Tetris’’ also blurs memory. Method: Participants recalled negative and positive memories in three conditions: recall only, recall with concurrent EM, and recall with playing Tetris. Before and after these conditions, vividness, emotionality, and physiological startle responses during recall were measured. Results: A reaction time task showed that EM and Tetris both draw on WM, compared to no dual-task. Compared to recall only, EM and Tetris decreased reported emotionality and startle responses. Conclusions: The effects of EM and Tetris did not differ, even though the tasks differed in the degree of taxing WM. This suggests that taxing WM and its effects on emotional memories may not be linearly related. Potential clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Emotionality Horizontal Eye Movement Vividness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

38. Chang, S. H., & Lee, Y. H. (2006, September). Interference of eye movements during recollections changes the vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories?: A crucial test of possible EMDR mechanisms. Presentation at the 36th Annual Congress of the EABCT (European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies), Paris, France. (NSC 93-2413-H-002-002-).

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Autobiographical Memories Eye Movements

Accuracy Verified: Yes

39. Chang, S. H. & Lee, Y. H. (2006, September). Interference of spontaneous eye movements during recollections changes the vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories?: A crucial test of possible EMDR mechanisms. Presentation at the 36th annual congress of the EABCT (European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies), Paris, France.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This study examined possible therapeutic mechanism of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Several studies have reported that bilateral eye movements during imagery could decrease vividness and emotionality of recollections. This study proposed a hypothesis, that was, the reduction of recall was due to the interference of spontaneous eye movements including conjugate lateral eye movements (CLEMs). 110 undergraduate students (47 men, 63 women) recalled two positive and two negative memories (the CLEMs of these memories were recorded by a digital camera at the same time) and rated their vividness and emotionality of the recollections. Next, participants recalled the memories while they were engaging in five between-group conditions (bilateral eye movements, left gaze, right gaze, central gaze, and mere imagery condition). Then participants recalled the event again and rated its vividness and emotionality. The results showed that the bilateral eye movements made autobiographical memories less vivid and less emotive, while mere image increased the vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories (ps < .05). Importantly, there was only one significant Valence × Time interaction effect (p < .05) in the left gaze condition. It showed that right hemisphere involved more negative emotions than positive, whereas left hemisphere involved no differences between negative and positive emotions. With regard to CLEMs, there were no different lateral eye movements between negative and positive memories. The study supported the idea that bilateral eye movements during imagery could decrease vividness and emotionality of recollections, and that interfering spontaneous eye movements changed vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories. The role of eye movements in the EMDR was discussed.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memory CLEM Eye Movements Gaze Direction

Accuracy Verified: Yes

40. Chang, S. H. & Lee, Y. H. (2005, August). Interfering CLEM reduces vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories. Presentation at the 2005 American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC C. (NSC 93-2413-H-002-002-).

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Research background: It was noted that when people recalled an emotional event, there is a spontaneous eye movements during retrieval of memory, known as conjugate lateral eye movements (CLEM). Eye movements during mental imagery are not epiphenomenal but assist the process of image generation (Hebb, 1968; Brandt & Stark, 1997). If restricted to a fixed point, then the image of recall is impaired (Laeng & Teodorescu 2002). These findings might shed light on why bilateral eye movements during imagery could decrease vividness and emotionality of recollections. Objectives: Based on the above findings, this study examined possible therapeutic mechanism of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 1989, 1995, 2001), of which eye movement was a crucial treatment component. Specifically, the hypothesis that interfering CLEM via introducing bilateral eye movements or a fixed position could reduce vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories was examined in the present study. Further, whether there are different CLEMs (more rightward in positive and more leftward in negative) during retrieval of positive and negative memories was also investigated. Method: Seventeen healthy volunteers recalled two positive and two negative memories and rated their vividness and emotionality of the recollections. Next, memories were recalled whilst the participant was performing either bilateral eye movements (interference of CLEM) or mere image condition (non-interference of CLEM). Then participants were asked to recall the event again and to rate its vividness and emotionality. Vividness and emotionality ratings were analyzed using a 2 (EM condition: bilateral eye movement vs. mere image) × 2 (valence of memory: positive vs. negative) × 2 (time: before vs. after the intervention) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). During the first and last recall of each memory CLEM were recorded by a digital camera. To examine the effect of CLEM during recollections on emotionality and vividness of autobiographical memories, eye movements in each recall were counted into percentage time of eye gaze in three regions (leftward, middle, rightward), instead of counting the first lateral eye movement as used by the traditional method. Results: Compared to mere image condition, recollections after bilateral eye movements made subsequent recollections less vivid and less emotive, while the opposite was true for mere image condition. Regarding vividness, the 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA showed that there was a significant condition × time interaction. None of the other interactions or main effects reached significance. Simple main effect indicated that the change in vividness was significant in the mere image condition, but not in the eye movement condition. As to emotionality, the three way ANOVA showed that there was also a significant condition × time interaction. None of the other interactions or main effects reached significance. Simple main effect indicated that the change in emotionality was significant in the mere image condition, and in eye movement condition. Concerning percentage of gaze direction (left, right) in positive and negative memories, pair t test showed that there was a significant right gaze difference between positive and negative memories, and approached significant left gaze difference between positive and negative memories. With regard to CLEM, negative memories showed less right gazes and more left gazes than positive memories. Conclusion:The bilateral eye movements made autobiographical memories less vivid and less emotive than mere image condition, while mere image increased the vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories. Further, there is different CLEM for negative and positive memories. While the hypothesis that interference of CLEM reduced the vividness and emotionality of autobiographical memories was confirmed, the role of eye movement in the EMDR was discussed and future research possibilities are proposed.

Keywords: Autobiographical Memory CLEM Eye Movements Gaze Direction

Accuracy Verified: Yes

41. Shapiro, F. (2012, October). Introduction to EMDR therapy. Presentation at the Pre-Meeting Institute of the 28th Annual Meeting of ISTSS, Los Angeles, CA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
This presentation will introduce the basics of EMDR therapy and provide an overview of treatment. Both the theoretical foundation and recent research findings will be explored. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy supported by more than 20 randomized controlled studies. Meta-analyses have indicated that the effects of EMDR on PTSD symptoms are comparable to those of trauma-focused CBT. However, EMDR therapy does not require homework, sustained arousal, detailed descriptions of the index trauma, or extended exposure to the event. While the eye movement component has been the subject of controversy, in the past decade an additional 20 randomized trials have evaluated the eye movements and demonstrated significantly superior effects compared to “exposure-only” conditions. The eye movements have been shown to (a) decrease the emotionality and vividness of memories, (b) create physiological relaxation responses, (c) facilitate access to associative memories and (d) lead to an increase in recognition of correct information. Two dominant theories regarding the role of the eye movements have emerged: (1) disruption of working memory and (2) elicitation of an orienting response. The research and clinical implications will be examined. The goals of this presentation parallel those of the conference itself by allowing participants to evaluate ways in which EMDR therapy offers innovations in both conceptualization and clinical treatment. These innovations include ways to support therapy retention and increase stability for those clients ordinarily considered too fragile to tolerate memory processing. Outreach can also be increased through the use of consecutive-day trauma treatment. Relevant research will be reported on the use of EMDR therapy with diverse populations. Participants will learn how the adaptive information processing theory that guides EMDR therapy practice offers a reconceptualization of (a) psychopathology, (b) therapeutic change, (c) the therapy relationship, (d) preparation for processing and (e) the multiple methods included in the therapy. The presentation will provide participants with the theoretical basis for EMDR therapy, an overview of the eight treatment phases, the three-pronged selection of processing targets, pertinent research, as well as applications to the full range of trauma victims. Videotaped sessions will demonstrate diverse treatment effects and provide participants with comparisons to other research-supported trauma treatments. 1-Describe the relevant research findings 2-Identify the components of the standard EMDR therapy three-pronged approach to processing 3-Contrast EMDR therapy with other empirically supported trauma treatments

Keywords: Practice Theory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

42. Hermans, H. P., & de Putter, M. (2012). Is een toevoeging van een aspect uit de contraconditionering aan EMDR zinvol? [Is an addition of one aspect of the counter-conditioning to EMDR useful?]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is een beproefde methode voor de behandeling van posttraumatische stressstoornis (PTSS). Het verklaringsmechanisme van EMDR lijkt de werkgeheugentheorie te zijn. De werkgeheugentheorie voorspelt dat het belasten van het werkgeheugen tijdens het ophalen van een nare herinnering, de emotionaliteit van de herinnering doet afnemen. Het huidige onderzoek betrekt een aspect vanuit de contraconditionering bij oogbewegingen. Participanten werden ingedeeld in 3 condities: positief, negatief en neutraal. Elke participant voerde een tweetal reactietijd taken uit op de computer, waarvan één met een stilstaande stip en één met een bewegende stip. Daarnaast haalde elke participant 2 negatieve autobiografische herinneringen op, tijdens het ophalen van één herinnering keken participanten naar een stilstaande stip, terwijl bij de andere herinnering een bewegende stip gepresenteerd werd. Op het beeldscherm werd – afhankelijk van de conditie – een positieve, neutrale of negatieve foto als achtergrond geselecteerd om te kijken of de valentie van aangeboden foto’s het effect van oogbewegingen beïnvloeden. De reactietijd taken bieden inzicht in welke mate oogbewegingen een belasting voor het werkgeheugen vormen. De resultaten tonen significant tragere reactietijden wanneer participanten oogbewegingen moesten maken. Op het gebied van emotionaliteit is er eveneens een significant effect van oogbewegingen gevonden. De narigheid van de opgehaalde herinnering nam – onafhankelijk van conditie - af wanneer participanten oogbewegingen maakten. Uitkomsten van het huidige onderzoek vormen een bevestiging van de werkgeheugentheorie. Het verwachtte effect van valentie is uitgebleven, vermoedelijk doordat participanten de valentie van de foto’s niet goed meekregen. Adequaat vervolg onderzoek zal moeten uitwijzen of een toevoeging aan EMDR vanuit de contraconditioneringstheorie zinvol is.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven method for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The declaration mechanism of EMDR seems to be working memory theory. The working memory theory predicts that taxing working memory during retrieval of a bad memory, the emotionality of the memory decreases. The present study involves an aspect from the counter-conditioning at eye movements. Participants were divided into 3 conditions: positive, negative and neutral. Each participant performed a two reaction tasks on the computer, one with a stationary dot and one with a moving dot. In addition, each participant took 2 negative autobiographical memories, while retrieving a reminder to participants watched a stationary spot, while the other memory a moving dot was presented. On the screen was - depending on the condition - a positive, neutral or negative picture as background selected to see if the valence of pictures presented the effect of eye movements influence. The response functions provide insight into the extent to which eye movements constitute a burden on the working memory. The results show significantly slower reaction times when participants had to make eye movements. In the area of emotionality is also a significant effect of eye movements found. The misery of the retrieved memory Rose - regardless of condition - off when participants made eye movements. Results of the present study are a confirmation of the working memory theory. The expected effect of valence failed to materialize, probably because participants the valence of the pictures are not good afterworld. Adequate follow-up study is needed to determine whether an addition to EMDR from the contralateral conditioning theory makes sense.

Keywords: Counter Conditioning Memory Theory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

43. Lanting, J. M. (2012). Is EMDR imagination deflation? Een onderzoek naar de effecten van oogbewegingen en geconcentreerde imaginatie op herinneringen [Is EMDR imagination deflation? A study on the effects of eye movements and concentrated on memories imagination]. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: Dutch

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is een veelgebruikte, effectieve therapievorm die onder andere voor posttraumatische stressstoornis (PTSS) gebruikt wordt. Imagination Inflation (II) kan optreden na het toepassen van geconcentreerde imaginatie op een herinnering. Bij EMDR worden herinneringen minder levendig en minder emotioneel. Het omgekeerde gebeurt bij II; door geconcentreerde imaginatie lijken herinneringen juist levendiger en emotioneler te worden. De vraag is of EMDR begrepen kan worden als inverse van II. De effecten van EMDR zijn goed te modelleren onder laboratoriumcondities. Als II het omgekeerde is van EMDR dan zouden onder dezelfde labcondities, maar met het vervangen van oogbewegingen door geconcentreerde imaginatie, er omgekeerde effecten op moeten treden van EMDR. Namelijk een toename van levendigheid en emotionaliteit van herinneringen. Methoden; 60 proefpersonen hebben deelgenomen aan het onderzoek, verdeeld over twee groepen. De eerste groep werd gevraagd twee negatieve herinneringen op te halen en participeerde met de ‘’alleen ophalen conditie’’ en ‘’ophalen + oogbewegingen’’. De tweede groep werd gevraagd om twee neutrale herinneringen op te halen en nam deel aan de ‘’alleen ophalen conditie’’ en ‘’ophalen + geconcentreerde imaginatie’’. Resultaten; Bij oogbewegingen zijn geen significante resultaten gevonden. Geconcentreerde imaginatie liet een toename in de levendigheid van de herinnering zien ten opzichte van de controlegroep, maar liet geen verandering in de emotionaliteit zien. Conclusie; Aangezien er geen effect gevonden is van oogbewegingen kan er niet gesteld worden dat II het tegengestelde is van EMDR. Echter in eerder onderzoek is de werking van EMDR aangetoond en in deze studie is er bij II een effect gevonden, daarom is verder onderzoek noodzakelijk.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a much used and effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Imagination Inflation (II) could occur after making use of concentrated imagery on a memory. Memories become less vivid and emotional after EMDR. The opposite happens with II; with concentrated imagery memories seem to become more vivid and emotional. It is the question whether EMDR can be understood as the reverse of II. EMDR effects are easily modeled under lab conditions. If II is the reverse of EMDR under the same lab conditions, except for the replacement of eye movements with concentrated imagery, then reverse effects of EMDR could be expected. For II the expectation is an increase of vividness and emotionality of memories. Methods; 60 participants took part in this research, they were divided into two groups. The first group was asked to recollect two negative memories and participated in the ‘’recall only’’ condition and ‘’recall + eye movements’’ condition. The second group was asked to recollect two neutral memories and participated in the ‘’recall only’’ condition and ‘’recall + concentrated imagery’’ condition. Results; No significant results were found for eye movements. The vividness of the memory increased with concentrated imagery in comparison to the control condition, no effect was found on emotionality. Conclusion; Based on the fact that there were no results found for eye movements, it cannot be stated that II is the opposite of EMDR. Nevertheless, earlier research proved the effects of EMDR and this research showed an effect of II, therefore more research is necessary.

Keywords: Eye Movements Imagination

Accuracy Verified: Yes

44. Rogers, S. (2002, June). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analyses. In L. Beutler, Discussant, EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, outcome findings, and socio-political context (Panel Discussion, June 24) (SPR) Society for Psychotherapy Research, International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA .

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure with cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is simply a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These findings have implications for clinicians who are interested in ‘ease of useEas well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation/extinction model of anxiety reduction. Limitations of the group design approach to the dismantling of psychotherapies will be discussed, along with the results of two recently completed studies.

Keywords: CBT Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy Component Analysis Process Research

Accuracy Verified: Yes

45. Rogers, S. (2003, August). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analysis. Presentation at the 111th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure and cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is best regarded as a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These finding have implications for clinicians who are interested in 'ease of use' as well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation model of anxiety reduction. This presentation provides a review of the results of group and single-case EMDR component analyses, methodological issues and suggestions for future research.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Accuracy Verified: Yes

46. Chang, S. H. (2005). Mechanism of EM in EMDR: Change strength of semantic associations. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Research background & objectives: Based on REM-sleep dependent memory reprocessing model, this study examined possible therapeutic mechanisms of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 1989, 1995, 2001). Stickgold (2002) proposed that sleep induced change in associative memory via activation of weak association during REM state and EMs functioned as REM sleep to integrate the episodic memory of trauma into general semantic memory. Specifically, the effect of EM in relation to order of relatedness of associations on change of strength of semantic associations for negative words after saccadic bilateral eye movements was examined in the present study. Methods: Sixty-four college students were recruited as participants. Via semantic priming task, a 2 (eye movement condition: horizontal saccadic eye movements vs. no eye movements) × 3 (strength of semantic association: strong priming vs. weak priming vs. unrelated priming) × 2 (block order of presentation: related prime first vs. unrelated prime first) mixed factorial design was performed, with strength of semantic association serving as within Ss factor and the other two variables serving as between Ss factors. The primes consisted of negative word stimuli. Each trials consisted of an 8 seconds saccadic horizontal eye movement manipulation (200 ms per movement in EM condition), followed by 500-msec fixation point and then prime displayed for 32msec, which was followed immediately by the target. The participant was instructed to read the target as soon as possible and the reaction time was recorded by the compuer. While absolute primeability index for strong (or weak) association was calculated as (RT related – RT unrelated) for strong primes or weak primes, respectively, relative primeability index was calculated as (RT related – RT unrelated)/RT unrelated. The dependent variables were correct (%), error (%), and primeability index for each of strong prime and weak prime. Change of primeability of weak associations for negative stimuli as opposed to that of strong ones under different EM conditions and different block order was compared. Results: For absolute primeability index, the 2 (EM condition) × 2 (order) × 2 (strength of priming) ANOVA showed that only the interaction effect of EM × strength of semantic association was approaching significance, indicating that weak priming significantly exceeded strong priming after EM (F (1, 56) = 18.01, p < .001; partial ω 2= .210), while the opposite was true after non-EM (F (1, 56) = 25.86, p < .0001; partial ω 2 = .280). Further, for weak prime, the priming effect was stronger after EM than after non-EM (F (1, 56) = 74.62, p < .0001; partial ω 2 = .535). For relative primeability index, it also revealed that only the interaction effect of EM × strength of semantic association was significant (F (1, 56) = 6.09, p < .02; partial ω 2 = .074), and tests of simple main effects showed similar patterns as those of absolute primeability index. Conclusions: 8s EMs was associated with change of strength of semantic associations. While EM didn’t weaken the primeability for the strong association, EM did enhance the primeability for weak associations. Further, weak priming significantly exceeded strong priming after EM, while the opposite was true after non-EM. The results echoed REM-sleep dependent memory reprocessing model, suggesting that EM in EMDR might reflect a shift in associative memory systems by activating different strength of associations of negative semantic nodes for different semantically related words. Given that order of relatedness didn’t play a role and previous research showed that EM resulted in decreased vividness and emotionality and generated greater amount of associations for negative stimuli as well, the implications of the present results from theoretical and psychotherapy point of views and future research possibilities are discussed.

Keywords: EMDR REM REM-Sleep Dependent Memory Reprocessing Model Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Saccadic Eye movement Semantic Association

Accuracy Verified: Yes

47. Hornsveld, H. (2011, June). More support for the working memory hypothesis: Results and clinical implications. Presentation at the 12th European Conference on Traumatic Stress (ECOTS), Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Eye movements (EMs) during retrieval of negative memories reduce the vividness and emotionality of these memories when they are being recalled later. This is a robust phenomenon and is the basis of the EMDR method. Of the many explanations that have been put forward to explain the benefits of EMs, the working memory (WM) explanation has – by far - the most empirical support. The WM hypothesis will be explained and a new series of experiments will be presented that give additional support for the WM account and have some large clinical implications. 1.In over 50% of the EMDR treatments eye movements are replaced by other bilateral stimulation like auditory tones or tapping. These ‘variants’ lack empirical support. Several studies (in healthy subjects and patients) strongly suggest that these alternatives are inferior to eye movements. This is in line with the working memory account. 2.Eye movements are also used in (non-desensitization) procedures like the safe place and the RDI procedure. Again, there is no empirical support for the added value of eye movements. Our research indicates that – in line with the WM theory – EM’s seem counterproductive in RDI. 3.EMs also reduce the vividness and emotionality of (disturbing) images of feared future events: "flashforwards". Research data in a non-clinical sample and some clinical cases will be presented. Hornsveld,H.K. & van de Hout, M.A. Utrecht University, Dept of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht, Netherlands Marcel van den Hout, Iris Engelhard en Hellen Hornsveld received the 2010 EMDR Award for Outstanding Research.

Keywords: Working Memory Hypothesis

Accuracy Verified: Yes

48. Nogueira, R. L. (2012, Novembro). Movimentos oculares e a teoria da memória de trabalho: Implicações clínicas [Eye movements and the theory of working memory: Clinical implications]. In EMDR e memórias. Apresentação no II Congresso Brasileiro de EMDR, Brasília, Brasil.

Language: Portuguese

Format: Conference

Abstract:
O objetivo do trabalho é apresentar uma revisão sobre o efeito dos movimentos oculares durante a exposição a memórias traumáticas a partir do paradigma da Teoria da Memória de Trabalho. Shapiro (2001) afirmou que a compreensão do mecanismo de ação do EMDR por meio da análise do efeito de seus componentes pode permitir cada vez mais seu aprimoramento. A meta-análise de Lee e Cuijpers (2012) mostra a importância dos movimentos oculares para a diminuição da vivacidade e das emoções negativas associadas às memórias traumáticas. Segundo a Teoria da Memória de Trabalho, a realização de movimentos oculares durante a manutenção de memórias traumáticas causaria a taxação da memória de trabalho, tornando as imagens menos vívidas e emocionais (ex. Gunter e Bodner 2008; van Den Hout et al. 2011). Quanto maior a taxação da memória de trabalho, desde que não cause prejuízo da manutenção da memória na mente, maior é a redução da vivacidade e intensidade (Gunter e Bodner 2008; van Den Hout et al. 2011, Engelhard et al. 2010, 2011). Portanto, a intensidade dos movimentos oculares parece ser importante para o efeito terapêutico. Smeets et al. (2012), ao investigarem o decurso temporal desses efeitos, verificaram que os movimentos oculares interferem primeiro com a vivacidade da memória. A redução da emocionalidade ocorre posteriormente. Por sua vez, Engelhard et al. (2010, 2011) têm mostrado que os movimentos oculares também são benéficos em relação a imagens negativas de eventos futuros, indicando um efeito terapêutico do EMDR sobre psicopatologias em que essas imagens estão presentes.Assim, em consonância com a afirmação de Shapiro (2001), estudos mostram a importância de se correlacionar a prática clínica com as investigações científicas sobre componentes do EMDR (ver Engelhard 2012). Além de favorecer a compreensão, a aplicação e a revisão dos protocolos, a correlação possui implicações clínicas importantes.

The objective is to present a review on the effect of eye movements during exposure to traumatic memories from the paradigm of the Theory of Working Memory. Shapiro (2001) stated that understanding the mechanism of action of EMDR through the analysis of the effect of its components can increasingly allow their improvement. A meta-analysis of Lee and Cuijpers (2012) shows the importance of eye movements to decrease the vividness and negative emotions associated with traumatic memories. According to the Theory of Working Memory, conducting eye movements during maintenance of traumatic memories cause the tax working memory, making the images less vivid and emotional (eg Gunter and Bodner 2008; van den Hout et al. 2011) . The higher taxation of working memory, since it does not cause prejudice to the maintenance of memory in mind, the greater the reduction in vividness and intensity (Gunter and Bodner 2008; van den Hout et al., 2011, Engelhard et al. 2010, 2011 ). Therefore, the intensity of eye movements seem to be important to the therapeutic effect. Smeets et al. (2012) investigated the time course of these effects and found that eye movements interfere first with the vividness of memory. The reduction in emotionality occurs later. In turn, Engelhard et al. (2010, 2011) have shown that eye movements are also beneficial in relation to negative images of future events, indicating a therapeutic effect of EMDR on psychopathology in which these images are presentes.Assim, in line with the statement Shapiro (2001) studies show the importance of correlating clinical practice with scientific research on components of EMDR (see Engelhard 2012). Besides promote understanding, implementation and review of protocols, the correlation has important clinical implications.

Keywords: Eye movements Clinical Implications Theory of Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

49. Koppel, R. H. (2009, May). Rapid eye movement effects on traumatic memories: A test of the working memory hypothesis. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that uses rapid eye movements to alleviate traumatic memories. This experiment examined two working memory hypotheses proposed to explain how performing rapid eye movements can affect the vividness, emotionality and completeness of traumatic memories. Participants (N=25) recalled three traumatic memories and rated them on vividness, emotionality and completeness before and after performing rapid eye movements. Participants also completed six working memory tasks to see if a correlation existed between working memory and the effect of rapid eye movements on memory rating variables. Findings illustrate that there was a significant decrease pre-test to post-test in vividness. Additionally, the factor underlying the reading span operation task and the Sternberg item order task significantly correlated with the effect of rapid eye movements for all memory ratings. The results of the current study support the central executive hypothesis explanation more than the visuospatial sketchpad storage hypothesis for EMDR. 3 Rapid Eye Movement Effects on Traumatic Memories: A Test of the Working Memory Hypothesis In 1987, Francis Shapiro discovered that performing horizontal eye saccades while holding a traumatic event in mind helped her alleviate the negative symptoms she experienced from that memory. She developed this intuition into a psychotherapy that is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This therapy is now a widely-used technique to treat victims of trauma, people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and people suffering from phobias and other anxiety disorders (Muris & Meckleberger, 1999). Shapiro (2001) describes EMDR as an eight-phase treatment method that includes history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation. An important, and distinguishing, component of the EMDR procedure involves the patient performing rapid bilateral eye movements while thinking about their traumatic memory and communicating any negative cognition associated with that memory. The horizontal saccadic eye movements generally involve watching the therapist’s quickly moving finger for 15-20 seconds/set (Shapiro, 2001). Eye saccade sets continue until the patient begins to report that negative aspects of the memory are being alleviated, and that positive self-cognitions have replaced the negative self-cognitions associated with the memory (Shapiro, 2001).

Keywords: Hypotheses Rapid Eye Movements REM Traumatic Memories

Accuracy Verified: Yes

50. Engelhard, I. M., van den Hout, M. A., Dek, E. C. P., Giele, C. L., van der Wielen, J.-W., Reijnen, M. J., & van Roij, B. (2011, May ). Reducing vividness and emotional intensity of recurrent “flashforwards” by taxing working memory: An analogue study. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(4), 599-603. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.01.009.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Several studies have found that making eye movements while retrieving visual images about past negative events reduces their vividness and emotional intensity. A working memory account states that eye movements tax working memory and interfere with visual imagery, thus degrading images. This study examined whether eye movements also affect recurrent, intrusive visual images about potential future catastrophes (“flashforwards”) in a sample of female undergraduates who had indicated on a screening-scale that they suffer from such intrusions. They were asked to recall two intrusive images with or without making eye movements. Before and after each condition, participants retrieved the image, and rated its vividness and emotionality. Results showed that vividness of intrusive images was lower after recall with eye movement, relative to recall only, and there was a similar trend for emotionality. Potential implications are discussed.

Keywords: Flashforwards Intrusive Images PTSD Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

51. Chang, S. H. (2007, September). Role of EM and stimulus valence presentation order in the return of fear: Possible implications for the therapeutic mechanism. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association Conference, Dallas, Texas. (NSC 93-2413-H-002-002-).

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Research background & aims: This study examined possible therapeutic mechanisms of eye movements in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 1989, 1995, 2001) in terms of exposure and information processing model. While exposure model contended process of extinction and response habituation, Stickgold (2002) proposed that sleep induced change in associative memory via activation of weak association during REM state and EM functioned as REM sleep to integrate the episodic memory of trauma into general semantic memory. In this study, the effect of EM compared to that of Exposure-Only (non-EM) on process measures of SUDs, ratings of cockroach phobia across sessions, along with outcome measures were examined. Specifically, the degree of return of fear and response habituation was explored. Methods: Thirty-six college students with cockroach phobias were recruited as participants and invited after informed consent for 4 1-week interval treatment sessions and a 1 month follow-up session. The instruments for outcome measures included Cockroach Phobia Questionnaire, fear ratings of cockroach slides, FSS, STAI-S, BDI, short form of SCL-90, the Revised Thought-Action Fusion Questionnaire, White Bear Suppression Inventory, and cognitive tasks for measuring strength of associations. The SUDs, credibility and therapeutic relationship rating, and physiological measures such as HR, HRV, EOG, served as process measures. Due to space limitations, the results of cognitive task and physiological measures were reported elsewhere. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: EM condition (EM vs. Non-EM exposure only) × block order of cockroach theme presentation (negative cognition first vs. positive cognition first). A 2 (EM condition) × 2 (order of valence presentation) × 9 (time: pre-assessment and post-assessment for each of the 4 sessions plus 1 month follow-up assessment) mixed factorial design was performed, with time serving as within Ss factor and the other two variables serving as between Ss factors. There were 20 trials in each therapeutic session. The duration of each trial was 30s for both the EM and Exposure-Only conditions. Results: After preliminary analyses for group differences on pretreatment variables, credibility-relationship ratings, and outcome variables were explored, the 2 (EM condition) × 2 (order of valence presentation) × 9 (time) ANOVA on SUDs showed that the main effects of time and EM were both significant (p < .001 and p < .034). Subsequently, two 2 (order of valence presentation) × 9 (time) ANOVAs were performed for EM condition and Exposure-Only condition, respectively. The results showed that for EM condition, only time effect was significant (p < .006); while for Exposure-Only condition, there were a significant time effect (p < .001) and an approaching significant valence presentation order effect (p < .065), with the SUDs being higher in negative cognition presented first condition compared to positive cognition presented first condition; whereas the effect was not significant for the EM condition. Using trend analyses and inspection of time effect showed that significant within session SUDs reduction for Exposure-Only conditions. Notwithstanding, the pairwise comparisons for the 9 time points indicated salient phenomena of return of fear among several of the 5 sessions for this condition when comparing the pre-assessment of each session with post-assessment of its previous session. Whereas for EM condition the return of fear between sessions was small and the trend analysis showed a reduction with linear trend. Conclusions & Discussion: Compared to Exposure-Only, EM resulted in less degree of sufferings while participants encountering negative theme which in turn might facilitate further processing of negative memory. In addition, EM might add something beyond the mechanism of pure exposure. The less return of fear indicating that information processing in addition to response inhibition might take place between sessions. The results echoed Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing model and Stickgold’s REM-sleep dependent memory reprocessing model, suggesting that EM in EMDR might reflect a shift in associative memory systems by activating different strength of associations of negative semantic nodes for different semantically related words. Given that previous research showed that EM decreased emotionality and also generate greater amount of associations for negative stimuli, the implications of the present results from theoretical and therapeutic point of views and future research possibilities are discussed.

Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing Model REM-Sleep Dependent Memory Reprocessing Model Saccadic Eye Movement Semantic Association

Accuracy Verified: Yes

52. Chang, S. H. (2009). Role of EM and stimulus valence presentation order in the return of fear: Possible implications for the therapeutic mechanism. National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Keywords: Adaptive Information Processing Model REM-Sleep Dependent Memory Reprocessing Model Saccadic Eye Movement Sematic Association

Accuracy Verified: Yes

53. Bartelski, N. (2011). Taxing of the working memory and the accessibility of memories. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Most laboratory studies concerning eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have focused on investigating how EMDR reduces the vividness and emotionality of memories. There has however been less focus on what occurs to the accessibility of the memory following EMDR. To assess accessibility we utilized three experiments. In each participant’s encoded two pictorial stimuli (images), held one of them in-mind, and simultaneously performed or did not perform EMDR-like working memory taxing (WM-taxing) tasks. Participants then freely-recalled or recognized as many details as they could from both images. In experiments 1a and 1b we found that free-recalled accessibility was reduced for the image that was held in-mind whilst WM-taxing tasks were performed, compared to when no-WM-taxing tasks were performed. In experiment 2, accessibility was measured in reaction time (RT). Decreased accessibility (slower RT) was observed when an image was held in-mind whilst WM-taxing tasks were performed. The decrease in accessibility, along with an observed decrease in vividness, possibly helps to give a more complete picture of EMDR’s effectiveness. Additionally it demonstrates that the effects of EMDR can be observed via non self-report measures.

Keywords: Fading In Fading Out Memory Accessibility Traumatic Image Working Memory Account Working Memory Taxing

Accuracy Verified: Yes

54. van Uijen, S. L. (2010). Taxing working memory during memory recall and the startle reflex. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
A dual-task during recall of an emotional memory reduces its vividness and emotionality, which may be due to both tasks competing for limited working memory (WM) resources. The dose-response relationship between WM taxing during memory recall and its benefits was investigated. Additionally, the fear-potentiated startle reflex was measured to obtain more objective information about the expected decrease in vividness and emotionality. Participants recalled negative and positive memories while performing no dual-task, a moderately taxing dual-task (eye movements), or a very taxing dual-task (Tetris), after which vividness, emotionality and the startle reflex were measured. Compared to no dual-task, eye movements and Tetris similarly decreased image vividness and/or emotionality, and the startle reflex. The findings suggest a WM account of EMDR, which indicates that a concurrent task is beneficial because it taxes WM during memory recall; and that WM taxing during memory recall and its benefits are not linearly related.

Keywords: Intrusive memory Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Startle Reflex Working memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

55. de Heer, E. W., & Hoogeveen, E. M. (2009). Taxing working memory during recall of distressing memories with a counting task and EMDR benefits. Utrecht, Nederlands: Universiteit Utrecht.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Dit experiment is gebaseerd op de hypothese dat de omvang van de EMDR-effecten kritisch hangt af van de mate waarin het werkgeheugen (WM) is belast tijdens het ophalen. De deelnemers deden herinneren aan pijnlijke herinneringen tijdens het uitvoeren van een van de twee afleidende taken (terugtellend met stappen van 2 of 7), het ene meer, afhankelijk van WM dan de andere. Hoe meer WM was belast, de grotere verlagingen van de levendigheid en emotionaliteit werden verwacht. De uitkomsten werden vergeleken met een controle conditie. Terugtellend met stappen van 2 of 7, terwijl we een verontrustende autobiografisch geheugen in het achterhoofd, verlaagt de emotionaliteit van het geheugen dat met name in vergelijking met het tellen van helemaal geen. De verlaging van de 7's staat, echter niet significant afwijken van de verlaging van de eenvoudige (dwz 2's) staat. Kortingen voor levendigheid werden niet gevonden. Deze resultaten ondersteunen het werkgeheugen account. Er is echter meer onderzoek nodig om de dosis-respons relatie tussen WM-load en EMDR-effecten en tot een beter begrip van de elementaire onderdelen van EMDR te krijgen verklaren.

This experiment is based upon the hypothesis that the magnitude of the EMDR effects critically depends on the degree to which working memory (WM) is taxed during retrieval. Participants did recall distressing memories while performing one of two distracting tasks (counting backwards with steps of 2 or 7); the one more depending on WM than the other. The more WM was taxed, the larger reductions in vividness and emotionality were expected. The outcomes were compared to a control condition. Counting backwards with steps of 2 or 7, while holding a distressing autobiographical memory in mind, decreases the emotionality of that particular memory compared to no counting at all. The reduction in the 7’s condition, however, did not differ significantly from the reduction in the simple (i.e. 2’s) condition. Reductions for vividness were not found. These results do support the working memory account. However, more research is needed to explain the dose-response relation between WM-load and EMDR-effects and to get a better understanding of the elementary components in EMDR.

Keywords: Retrieval Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

56. Engelhard, I. M., van den Hout, M. A., & Smeets, M. A. (2011, March). Taxing working memory reduces vividness and emotional intensity of images about the queen's day tragedy. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(1), 32-37. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2010.09.004.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye movements during exposure to distressing mental images reduce their vividness and emotional intensity, which may be due to both tasks competing for working memory (WM) resources. WM theory predicts an inverted U-shaped relationship between degree of taxing and beneficial effects: greater taxing of WM will more greatly reduce vividness/emotionality, but extremely taxing tasks prevent holding the image in mind, thereby reducing benefits. This study examined whether mental arithmetic (subtraction) tasks during visual imagery reduce image vividness/emotionality ratings, and taxing WM and reduced vividness/emotionality show the predicted quadratic relationship. A non-clinical sample retrieved a distressing image of the Queen's Day tragedy (which occurred 1-3 months earlier in the Netherlands), and rated it for vividness and emotionality. Participants were assigned to one of four conditions: exposure alone or exposure with concurrent 'simple' subtraction, 'intermediate' subtraction, or 'complex' subtraction. Afterwards, vividness and emotionality were rated again. A reaction time task showed that the subtraction tasks increasingly taxed WM. Consistent with WM theory, exposure with subtraction reduced image vividness and emotionality compared to exposure alone. The expected inverse U-curve relationship was found for emotionality, but not for vividness: simple or intermediate subtraction had more beneficial effects than no dual-task or complex subtraction. Clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Emotionality Vividness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

57. Engelhard, I. M., van den Hout, M. A., & Smeets, M. A. M. (2010, May). Taxing working memory reduces vividness and emotionality of images about the Queen's Day tragedy. Poster presented at the annual meeting of Association for Professional Science, Boston, MA.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Keywords: Queen's Day Tragedy Poster Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

58. Smeets, M. A. M., Dijs, M. W., Pervan, I., Engelhard, I. M., & van den Hout, M. A. (2012, May). Time-course of eye movement-related decrease in vividness and emotionality of unpleasant autobiographical memories. Memory, 20(4), 346-357. doi:10.1080/09658211.2012.665462.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
The time-course of changes in vividness and emotionality of unpleasant autobiographical memories associated with making eye movements (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, EMDR) was investigated. Participants retrieved unpleasant autobiographical memories and rated their vividness and emotionality prior to and following 96 seconds of making eye movements (EM) or keeping eyes stationary (ES); at 2, 4, 6, and 10 seconds into the intervention; then followed by regular larger intervals throughout the 96-second intervention. Results revealed a significant drop compared to the ES group in emotionality after 74 seconds compared to a significant drop in vividness at only 2 seconds into the intervention. These results support that emotionality becomes reduced only after vividness has dropped. The results are discussed in light of working memory theory and visual imagery theory, following which the regular refreshment of the visual memory needed to maintain it in working memory is interfered with by eye movements that also tax working memory, which affects vividness first.

Keywords: Emotionality Unpleasant Autobiographical Memories Vividness

Accuracy Verified: Yes

59. van den Hout, M. A., Rijkeboer, M. M., Engelhard, I. M., Klugkist, I., Hornsveld, H., Toffolo, M. J. B., & Cath, D. C. (2012, May). Tones inferior to eye movements in the EMDR treatment of PTSD. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 50(5), 275-279. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2012.02.001.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During EMDR, patients make eye movements (EMs) while recalling traumatic memories, but recently therapists have replaced EMs by alternating beep tones. There are no outcome studies on the effects of tones. In an earlier analogue study, tones were inferior to EMs in the reduction of vividness of aversive memories. In a first EMDR session, 12 PTSD patients recalled trauma memories in three conditions: recall only, recall + tones, and recall + EMs. Three competing hypotheses were tested: 1) EMs are as effective as tones and better than recall only, 2) EMs are better than tones and tones are as effective as recall only, and 3) EMs are better than tones and tones are better than recall only. The order of conditions was balanced, each condition was delivered twice, and decline in memory vividness and emotionality served as outcome measures. The data strongly support hypothesis 2 and 3 over 1: EMs outperformed tones while it remained unclear if tones add to recall only. The findings add to earlier considerations and earlier analogue findings suggesting that EMs are superior to tones and that replacing the former by the latter was premature.

Keywords: Bilateral Stimulation BLS EMs Eye Movements Tones

Accuracy Verified: Yes

60. de Roos, C., & van Rood, Y. R. (2011, August-September). Trauma treatment (EMDR) as part of CBT for body dysmorphic disorder. In Case conceptualization and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder. Symposium conducted at the 41st EABCT annual congress, Reykjavík, Iceland.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely used and acknowledged treatment modality for PTSD but is still in its experimental phase for other disorders, such as BDD. With EMDR, the vividness and emotionality of unpleasant mental representations, which resulted from one or more traumatic events can be, reduced (Günter & Bodner, 2008). BDD patients often report traumatic events preceding the development of BDD and intrusive images referring to these events (Osman, et al., 2004). Brown et al., (1997) were the first to treat BDD patients for their traumas, using EMDR. The results of their case series were promising but lacked a theoretical base. The learning theoretical model of BDD provides a strong base for the selection of interventions for individual patients and the application of EMDR. This presentation outlines how to select the essential target memories for EMDR treatment in BDD patients. One way is to order etiological and/or aggravating events meaningfully on a time line and select those memories for processing which preceded an increase in BDD symptoms. The other way is to select targets related tot anxious expectations and avoidance behaviour. Video fragments illustrate the EMDR process in a BDD patient.

Keywords: Body Dysmorphic Disorder CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Symposium

Accuracy Verified: Yes

61. Lilley, S. A., Andrade, J., Turpin, G., Sabin-Farrell, R., & Holmes, E. A. (2009, September). Visuospatial working memory interference with recollections of trauma. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48(3), 309–321. doi:10.1348/014466508X398943.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Objectives: Laboratory research using a working memory framework has shown modality-specific reductions in image vividness and emotionality when concurrent tasks are performed while maintaining the image in consciousness. We extended this research to trauma images in a clinical population awaiting treatment for post-traumatic stress symptoms. Design: A within-subjects design was used, with each participant completing an imagery task under three concurrent task conditions: side-to-side eye-movements, counting, and exposure only (no concurrent task). Methods: Eighteen participants selected three images each, the images being those that were the most distressing from participants’ trauma memories and most likely to intrude involuntarily. Participants gave baseline ratings of the vividness and emotionality of each of their trauma images. Each image was assigned to a condition. Each condition comprised 8 trials in which participants recollected the appropriate image for 8 s while performing eye-movements, counting or no concurrent task, and then rated its vividness and emotionality. Follow-up ratings were obtained by telephone 1 week later. Results: The eye-movement task reduced vividness and emotionality of the trauma images relative to the counting task and exposure only, but did so only during the imagery period and not at follow-up. The images were predominantly visual. Conclusions: Concurrent tasks matched to the modality of trauma images may provide a useful treatment aid for temporarily dampening emotional responses to recollections of trauma.

Keywords: Trauma Memory Visuospatial Working Memory Interference

Accuracy Verified: Yes

62. van den Hout, M., Kindt, M., Muris, P., & Salemink, E. (2001). Vreemde oogbewegingen maken herinneringen minder levendig en minder emotioneel [Strange eye movements make memories less vivid and less emotionally]. Directieve Therapie, 21(3), 121-127. doi:10.1007/BF03060262 .

Language: Dutch

Format: Journal

Abstract:
Bij Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (emdr) beweegt de patiënt de ogen lateraal, tijdens het ophalen van aversieve herinneringen. Bij gezonde proefpersonen werd nagegaan of dit ‘oogbewegen’ ertoe leidt dat, na de procedure, de herinneringen van kwaliteit veranderen. Dit was het geval. Oogbewegen leidde tot verminderen van levendigheid van latere herinneringen en tot mindere emotionaliteit van herinneringen. Dit effect was sterker dan bij controlecondities: tikken op een tafel of nietsdoen. Het effect trad op bij negatieve herinneringen en bij positieve herinneringen. Beide typen herinneringen werden door het oogbewegen minder levendig, terwijl negatieve herinneringen na oogbewegen minder negatief werden en positieve herinneringen minder positief. Dit suggereert dat emdr meer is dan een placebo. Er wordt kort gespeculeerd over de verklaring van dit fenomeen. De klinische implicatie van dit resultaat is dat emdr-achtige procedures beter kunnen zijn dan placebo, alhoewel andere behandelvormen aanzienlijk effectiever lijken te zijn. emdr-achtige procedures kunnen een bescheiden, maar helder te definiëren plaats hebben in de behandeling van posttraumatische stressklachten.

In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) moves the patient's lateral eyes, while fetching aversive memories. In healthy subjects, whether this 'eye movement' leads, after the procedure, the memories of quality change. This was the case. Eye movement led to later reduce vividness of memories and to a lesser emotionality of memories. This effect was stronger than in control conditions: tapping on a table or not. The effect occurred in negative memories and positive memories. Both types of memories were less vivid by the eye movement, eye movement while negative memories became less negative and less positive positive memories. This suggests that EMDR is more than a placebo. It speculated about the brief explanation of this phenomenon. The clinical implication of this result is that EMDR-like procedures may be better than placebo, although other forms of treatment appear to be significantly more effective. EMDR-like procedures, a modest but clearly defined place in the treatment of post traumatic stress symptoms.

Keywords: Eye Movements

Accuracy Verified: Yes

63. Altink, A. J. A., van Terwisga, P., Helms, F. D. G., & Oostenbroek, S. H. (2012). Word tracking task as an alternative to horizontal eye movements in the reduction of vividness and emotionality of aversive memories in EMDR. Social Cosmos, 3(2), 185-199.

Language: English

Format: Journal

Abstract:
When treating a patient with PTSD, therapists often use eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In EMDR patients make horizontal eye movements (HEM) while the image of a traumatic memory is recalled. Various studies showed that making HEM during recall of an aversive memory results in a decline in vividness and emotionality of this memory. This study aimed to create an alternative task that would be less physically demanding for the therapist than applying HEM. This task should, according to the working memory (WM) hypothesis, tax the WM as much as HEM. To accomplish this goal, a word-tracking task (WTT) was created in which an oval that moved over a matrix with color-words had to be followed with the eyes. Experiment I showed that the WTT taxes WM, though not as much as HEM. In experiment II, both the WTT and HEM resulted in a decrease in vividness and emotionality of an aversive memory. The results obtained raise questions about a supposed linear relationship between the WM-taxing and EMDR-efficacy of tasks. Further investigation of this relationship is recommended. Also recommended is further study in a clinical population. The WTT seems to be a good alternative for horizontal eye movements in EMDR.

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Working Memory

Accuracy Verified: Yes

64. Hornsveld, H. (2011, June). Work mechanisms in EMDR. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, Vienna, Austria.

Language: English

Format: Conference

Abstract:
Eye movements (EMs) during retrieval of negative memories reduce the vividness and emotionality of these memories when they are being recalled later. This is a robust phenomenon and is the basis of the EMDR method. Of the many explanations that have been put forward to explain the benefits of EMs, the working memory (WM) explanation has – by far - the most empirical support. The WM hypothesis will be explained and a new series of experiments will be presented that give additional support for the WM account and have some large clinical implications. 1.In over 50% of the EMDR treatments eye movements are replaced by other bilateral stimulation like auditory tones or tapping. These ‘variants’ lack empirical support. Several studies (in healthy subjects and patients) strongly suggest that that these alternatives are inferior to eye movements. This is in line with the working memory account. 2.Eye movements are also used in (non-desensitization) procedures like the safe place and the RDI procedure. Again, there is no empirical support for the added value of eye movements. Our research indicates that – in line with the WM theory – EM’s seem counterproductive in RDI. 3.EMs also reduce the vividness and emotionality of (disturbing) images of feared future events: “flashworwards”. Learning objectives: Research data in a non-clinical sample and some clinical cases will be presented.

Keywords: Mechanisms

Accuracy Verified: Yes

65. van der Landen, M. E. (2012). Zijn de effecten van EMDR en imagination inflation tegengesteld bij herinneringen? Een onderzoek naar levendigheid en emotionaliteit van herinneringen bij geconcentreerde imaginatie en oogbewegingen [Are the effects of EMDR and imagination inflation opposed to memories? A study of vividness and emotionality of memories with concentrated imagery and eye movements]. Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht.

Language: English

Format: Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is een veelgebruikte, effectieve therapievorm voor posttraumatische stressstoornis (PTSS). Imagination Inflation (II) kan optreden na geconcentreerde imaginatie. Bij EMDR worden herinneringen minder levendig en minder emotioneel. Het omgekeerde gebeurt bij II; door geconcentreerde imaginatie lijken herinneringen juist levendiger en emotioneler te worden. De vraag is of EMDR begrepen kan worden als de inverse van II. De effecten van EMDR zijn goed te modelleren onder laboratorium condities. Als II het omgekeerde is van EMDR zouden onder dezelfde lab condities, maar met het vervangen van oogbewegingen door geconcentreerde imaginatie er omgekeerde effecten op moeten treden van EMDR. Namelijk een toename van levendigheid en emotionaliteit van de herinneringen. Methoden: In totaal participeerden 60 personen verdeeld over twee groepen. Bij de ene groep werd 1) ophalen + oogbewegingen en 2) alleen ophalen toegepast, waarbij men twee negatieve herinneringen kreeg. De andere groep kreeg 1) ophalen + geconcentreerde imaginatie en 2) alleen ophalen toegepast met twee neutrale herinneringen. Resultaten: Geconcentreerde imaginatie leidde tot meer levendigheid van de neutrale herinnering, maar leidde niet tot toename van de emotionaliteit van de herinnering. Bij oogbewegingen zijn er geen statistisch significante resultaten gevonden. Conclusie: In tegenstelling tot eerdere literatuur, kon er geen significant effect van oogbewegingen aangetoond worden. Verondersteld is dat dit mogelijk een toevalsfluctuatie betreft. Geconcentreerde imaginatie leidde wel tot een significante toename van levendigheid van een neutrale herinnering. Vervolgonderzoek is nodig om dit verder te onderzoeken.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely used and effective form of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Imagination Inflation (II) can occur after concentrated imagination. In EMDR memories are less vivid and less emotional. The reverse happens when II by concentrated imagination seem more vivid and emotional memories just be. The question is whether EMDR can be understood as the inverse of II. The effects of EMDR are well modeled under laboratory conditions. If II is the opposite of EMDR would under the same laboratory conditions, but with the replacement of movements by concentrated imagination is opposite effects have occurred in EMDR. Namely an increase of vividness and emotionality of memories. Methods: A total of 60 people participated divided into two groups. In one group, 1) + pick eye movements, and 2) only applied retrieval, where one received two negative memories. The other group received 1) + pick concentrated imagination and 2) only get applied with two neutral memories. Results: Concentrated imagination led to greater vividness of the neutral memory, but did not lead to increased emotionality of memory. When eye movements are no statistically significant results were found. Conclusion: Contrary to previous literature, there could be no significant effect of eye movements demonstrated. It is assumed that this may be a chance fluctuation concerns. Concentrated imagination did lead to a significant increase vibrancy of a neutral memory. Further research is needed to investigate this further.

Keywords: Emotionality Eye Movements Imagery Imagination Inflation Vividness

Accuracy Verified: Yes