Abstract
Objectives: We explored the effects of a single 40-min session of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (BSP), and Body Scan Meditation (BSM) in the processing of distressing memories reported by a non-clinical sample of adult participants. Design: A within-subject design was used. Methods: Participants (n = 40 Psychologists/MDs) reported four distressing memories, each of which treated with a single intervention. EMDR, BSP, and BSM were compared with each other, and with a Book Reading (BR) active control condition, using as dependent measures, SUD (Subjective Units of Disturbance) and Memory Telling Duration (MTD) on a 4-point timeline: Baseline, Pre-Intervention, Post-Intervention, Follow-up. Results: SUD scores associated with EMDR, BSP, and BSM significantly decreased from Pre- to Post-Intervention (p < 0.001). At Post-Intervention and Follow-up, EMDR and BSP SUD scores were significantly lower than BSM and BR scores (p < 0.02). At both Post-Intervention and Follow-up, BSM SUD scores were lower than BR scores (p < 0.01). A reduction in MTD was observed from Pre- to Post-Intervention for EMDR and BSP conditions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, results showed beneficial effects of single sessions of EMDR, BSP, or BSM in the processing of healthy adults’ distressing memories. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Highlights
In common experience, people live with disturbing, yet not necessarily traumatic, memories
In a within-subject design, participants told the researcher four distressing memories, each of which was treated with a single intervention (EMDR, BSP, Body Scan Meditation (BSM), and a book reading control condition, Book Reading (BR))
An interaction effect between Session and Intervention revealed that Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scores associated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), BSP, and BSM, but not BR, techniques significantly decreased from Pre- to Post-Intervention
Summary
People live with disturbing, yet not necessarily traumatic, memories. Experiences like this, painful, are common among people, and are not necessarily signs of psychopathology. In clinical contexts distressing or disturbing memories can consist of images, thoughts, and feelings related to a traumatic or stressful event. These memories are generally negatively emotionally charged, and may originate from both “big trauma”. (“T”), such as life-threatening experiences and sexual violence, or “little trauma” (“t”) or relational trauma, which include adverse, extremely upsetting life events, such as nonlife-threatening injuries, childhood humiliations, death of a pet, bullying, and loss of significant relationships [1]. Distressing memories related to “T” or “t” may be triggered or occur spontaneously, and are a distinguishing characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
