Evaluating the Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Grieving Girls

Sabet, Mehrdad; Del Afroz, Sama

doi:10.22034/ijs.2026.743643

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Grieving Girls

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mehrdad Sabet ¹

Sama Del Afroz ²

¹ Associate Professor and Faculty Member, Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

² Master of Science in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijs.2026.743643

Abstract

Background and Objective: Grief therapy poses a significant challenge in clinical and mental health practice. Given the considerable emotional and economic burdens associated with grief, it is essential to review the existing literature to identify the most effective therapeutic interventions. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among girls experiencing grief.
Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design, incorporating both experimental and control groups. The research population consisted of all female students enrolled in schools within District 5 of Tehran during the 2023-2024 academic year. Thirty eligible volunteer participants were selected through purposive sampling and subsequently assigned to two equal groups of 15 participants each. Data were collected using the Lovibond and Lovibond Depression-Stress Questionnaire (1995) and the Tedeschi and Calhoun PTSD Questionnaire (1996). The experimental group received EMDR therapy following Shapiro’s established protocol, which was administered across six weekly 60-minute sessions. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), with a significance threshold set at 0.05.
Results: Results from the MANCOVA indicated a statistically significant reduction in post-traumatic stress scores for the experimental group after controlling for pre-test effects (P=0.002). In particular, girls with grief-related disorders who underwent EMDR therapy demonstrated a marked decrease in symptoms of PTSD. The effectiveness of EMDR therapy was quantified at 30.8% in terms of alleviating post-traumatic stress.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that therapists working with individuals exhibiting personality vulnerabilities and those navigating experiences of grief may benefit from incorporating EMDR therapy into their clinical practice. This therapeutic approach has the potential to enhance clients' capabilities to confront and manage negative emotions while simultaneously reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Keywords

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

Mental Health

Stress Disorders

Post-Traumatic

Grief

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