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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
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Eye Movement Monitoring of Memory
Published on: August 15, 2010
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How eye movements in EMDR work: changes in memory vividness and emotionality
Arne Leer1, Iris M Engelhard1, Marcel A van den Hout1
1Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Eye movements (EM) during recall of aversive memories can reduce vividness and emotionality for 24 hours. Longer EMDR intervention durations enhance these memory changes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Treatment
Background:
- Eye movements (EM) are a core component of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
- Previous studies indicate EM can reduce memory vividness and emotionality immediately post-intervention.
- The persistence of these effects and their relation to intervention duration remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if immediate reductions in memory vividness and emotionality after EM persist for 24 hours.
- To investigate if the magnitude of these memory changes is dose-dependent on EM duration.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-three undergraduates recalled negative autobiographical memories.
- Participants underwent recall with EM or recall only.
- Memory vividness and emotionality were self-rated pre-test, immediately post-test, and at 24-hour follow-up.
Main Results:
- Recall with EM, irrespective of duration, immediately reduced memory vividness.
- No immediate reduction in memory emotionality was observed.
- Only the longer intervention group (eight periods) showed sustained reductions in both vividness and emotionality at 24-hour follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Recall with EM induces lasting changes in memory vividness and emotionality.
- These effects are dependent on the duration of the EM intervention.
- Findings support EMDR's efficacy by demonstrating persistent memory alterations potentially explaining treatment effects.
