Exploring eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a technique for therapeutic intervention of adolescents experiencing trauma

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research explores Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a possible therapeutic technique in interventions dealing with trauma. The study focuses specifically on the adolescent phase. A distinction is made between developmental trauma and single-incident trauma and its impact on development.An attempt is made to acquire a deeper insight into adolescents' experience of trauma. The purpose of the adolescent phase is the development of a sound identity. The challenges and the impact of traumatic experiences on the development of the adolescent on the road to adulthood are examined more closely. The symptoms of trauma and specifically the effect of trauma on the adolescent are highlighted.The study adopted an interpretivist paradigm. A qualitative design with multiple case studies was selected for the research. The research included five cases. The study was limited to adolescents who ranged in age from 13-19 years in an Afrikaans school in Johannesburg. Intake discussions were held with the parents. Intake discussions in accordance with the EMDR approach were held with the participants. Each participant attended 4 sessions.Various themes were identified in each interview, but two main themes emerged: the emotions of the adolescents regarding the trauma they experienced; the influence of trauma on the self-concept of the participants; that led to a deeper grasp of the participants' experiences. An insight was gained into the influence that traumatic experiences had on the lives of the participants as well as the influence of these experiences on their families, school and social contexts.The main findings indicate that EMDR as a therapeutic technique does have the potential to provide support to adolescents who have been exposed to single-incident or developmental trauma.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University