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Cited by 91Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsMemory Processes and Influences

Horizontal rhythmical eye movements consistently diminish the arousal provoked by auditory stimuli.

Barrowcliff, Alastair L., Gray, Nicola S., MacCulloch, Sophie, Freeman, Tom C. A., MacCulloch, Malcolm J.·2003·British Journal of Clinical Psychology
DOI 10.1348/01446650360703393
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Theoretical models implicating the orienting reflex as an explanatory mechanism in the eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment protocol are contrasted and tested empirically. We also test whether EMDR effects are due to a distraction effect. DESIGN: A repeated measure design is used in two experiments. The first experiment employed two independent variables, eye condition (moving vs. stationary) and tone (a pseudo-randomized series of low and high intensity tones). In Expt 2, eye condition was replaced by attentional demand conditions (low or high). In both cases, electrodermal responses served as the dependent variable. METHOD: Participants were recruited from the Psychology Department at Cardiff University. In Expt 1, participants were required to either pursue a moving stimulus following auditory challenge or engage in an eyes-stationary task. In Expt 2, the task following auditory challenge required participants to identify specific items from letter strings in low and high attentional demand conditions. RESULTS: Lower levels of electrodermal arousal were identified in tasks eliciting eye movements, compared to no eye movements. This effect was not due to the attentional requirements of the task. CONCLUSIONS: Eye movements following auditory challenge result in an effect of psychophysiological de-arousal. This supports the reassurance reflex model of EMDR proposed by MacCulloch and Feldman (1996).

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  • When traumatic memories are successfully processed, the physiological markers of arousal decrease.

    “When traumatic memories are successfully processed, the physiological markers of arousal likewise decrease.160,182–186”

    From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [183]

  • Memories of past trauma can activate the body's arousal systems, resulting in arousal, the precondition of activating the defense cascade.

    “Since memories of past trauma can activate the body’s arousal systems—resulting in arousal, the precondition of activating the defense cascade”

    From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [183]

  • Arousal in response to the traumatic script decreases following EMDR.

    “Arousal in response to the traumatic script also decreases.183–186”

    From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [183]

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Authors
Barrowcliff, A. L., Gray, N. S., MacCulloch, S., Freeman, T. C. A., & MacCulloch, M. J.
Affiliations
Cardiff University (GB)
Corresponding author
Barrowcliff, Alastair L.
ORCID
Venue
British Journal of Clinical Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2003-09
Volume
42
Issue
3
Pages
289-302
ISSN
  • 0144-6657 (ISSN-L)
  • 2044-8260
DOI
10.1348/01446650360703393
OpenAlex
W2055876029
Cited by
91
References
18
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
FWCI
6.20
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 2671 d)
Locations
  • British Journal of Clinical Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
Keywords
EMDR, orienting response, horizontal eye movements, auditory stimuli, attentional demands, distraction effect, psychotherapy mechanisms
MeSH terms
Acoustic Stimulation, Adult, Arousal, Attention, Eye Movements, Female, Galvanic Skin Response, Humans, Male, Periodicity, Photic Stimulation

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