A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories

C.W. Lee; P. Cuijpers

doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001

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A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories

C.W. Lee and P. Cuijpers

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Vol.44(2), pp.231-239

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001

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Abstract

Background and objectives: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is now considered evidence based practice in the treatment of trauma symptoms. Yet in a previous meta-analysis, no significant effect was found for the eye movement component. However methodological issues with this study may have resulted in a type II error. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine current published studies to test whether eye movements significantly affect the processing of distressing memories. Method: A systematic review of the literature revealed two groups of studies. The first group comprised 15 clinical trials and compared the effects of EMDR therapy with eye movements to those of EMDR without the eye movements. The second group comprised 11 laboratory trials that investigated the effects of eye movements while thinking of a distressing memory versus the same procedure without the eye movements in a non-therapy context. The total number of participants was 849. Results: The effect size for the additive effect of eye movements in EMDR treatment studies was moderate and significant (Cohen's d = 0.41). For the second group of laboratory studies the effect size was large and significant (d = 0.74). The strongest effect size difference was for vividness measures in the non-therapy studies (d = 0.91). The data indicated that treatment fidelity acted as a moderator variable on the effect of eye movements in the therapy studies. Conclusions: Results were discussed in terms of current theories that suggest the processes involved in EMDR are different from other exposure based therapies.

Details

Title: A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories
Authors/Creators: C.W. Lee (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
P. Cuijpers (Author/Creator) - Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Publication Details: Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Vol.44(2), pp.231-239
Publisher: Elsevier
Identifiers: 991005540580207891
Copyright: Elsevier
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 6 Social Sciences; 6.24 Psychiatry & Psychology; 6.24.93 Trauma and PTSD
Web Of Science research areas: Psychiatry; Psychology, Clinical
ESI research areas: Psychiatry/Psychology