Journal article
The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy to treat symptoms following trauma in Timor Leste
Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol.29(2), pp.141-148
2016
Abstract
The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating trauma symptoms was examined in a postwar/conflict, developing nation, Timor Leste. Participants were 21 Timorese adults with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assessed as those who scored ≥2 on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Participants were treated with EMDR therapy. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Symptom changes post-EMDR treatment were compared to a stabilization control intervention period in which participants served as their own waitlist control. Sessions were 60–90 mins. The average number of sessions was 4.15 (SD = 2.06). Despite difficulties providing treatment cross-culturally (i.e., language barriers), EMDR therapy was followed by significant and large reductions in trauma symptoms (Cohen's d = 2.48), depression (d = 2.09), and anxiety (d = 1.77). At posttreatment, 20 (95.2%) participants scored below the HTQ PTSD cutoff of 2. Reliable reductions in trauma symptoms were reported by 18 participants (85.7%) posttreatment and 16 (76.2%) at 3-month follow-up. Symptoms did not improve during the control period. Findings support the use of EMDR therapy for treatment of adults with PTSD in a cross-cultural, postwar/conflict setting, and suggest that structured trauma treatments can be applied in Timor Leste.
Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy to treat symptoms following trauma in Timor Leste
- Authors/Creators
- S.J. Schubert (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityC.W. Lee (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityG. de Araujo (Author/Creator) - Charles Darwin UniversityS.R. Butler (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityG. Taylor (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityP.D. Drummond (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol.29(2), pp.141-148
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Identifiers
- 991005543000207891
- Copyright
- © 2016 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic 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