Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

ARCELLA J. TRIMBLE

Abstract

Trauma is anything that impacts an individual’s ability to cope. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based treatment for many psychological disorders resulting from traumatic stress; however, there is limited research supporting use with children and adolescents. The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the relationship between EMDR treatment on the reduction of trauma symptoms in children and adolescents. This study was grounded in Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory. The research questions explored the relationship between EMDR as an effective treatment for youth who have experienced trauma. The variables considered the pre- and post-test scores on the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS), the classification of traumatic distress (acute, chronic, or complex) as measured by the adverse childhood experience (ACE) score prior to the start of treatment, and the total number of EMDR sessions received. Archival data were collected on 52 children and adolescents (11–17 years of age) who have undergone EMDR treatment. Results indicated EMDR treatment did not show any statistically significant difference among youth with acute, chronic, or complex trauma; however, results indicated a statistically significant improvement in trauma symptom scores pre- and post-test treatment. The findings supported the reduction of trauma symptoms in youth after participating in EMDR treatment. Based on the results, it is recommended that further exploration be made in the use of EMDR treatment with children and adolescents. The positive social change that this research has provided is empirical support for evidenced-based treatment for youth who have experienced trauma.

Download

Share

 
COinS