A grounded theory of attachment and EMDR for psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the processes in the interaction between attachment, EMDR for psychosis and recovery? A grounded theory
IRAS ID
321953
Contact name
Roberta Cramp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
EMDR, a therapy developed by Shapiro (1987), has been found an effective trauma therapy for those who have subsequently experienced psychosis. One pilot study found that psychotic experiences were significantly reduced by EMDR in all but five out of twenty-two participants (van den Burg & van der Gaag, 2012). EMDR has also been found to improve attachment status for adults and children (Wesselmann et al., 2012). EMDR therapy is being used in the NHS but to date, there are no studies exploring the attachment processes in this therapy that may promote healing from trauma and subsequent psychosis. This study aims to inductively explore these processes and generate a theoretical model using classic grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Understanding these processes is important as it will allow clinicians in the NHS to focus their EMDR practice to promote better outcomes and reflects the NHS’s commitment to quality of care. Using data from semi structured interviews with individuals who have had EMDR for psychosis, the study aims to answer the following questions:How do participants define recovery from psychosis?
How do they describe their sense of security in relationships?
What is happening in their relationship security through the EMDR process?
If there are changes in their relationship security, how and why do participants think this happens?
If there are no changes in relationship security, what do participants think is happening in their relationships?
Do participants think EMDR contributed to recovery
What are the processes in the interaction between attachment, EMDR for psychosis and recovery?Summary of Results
Disruptions in early attachment (infant relationship) experiences have been associated with greater risk for the development of psychosis. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy has been found effective in supporting individuals with psychosis to make sense of, and heal from adverse experience, while improving attachment security. This research approached psychosis as a response to early attachment trauma and sought to identify processes between attachment and EMDR, that might promote recovery from psychosis. Seven participants who had received EMDR for psychosis were recruited and completed two attachment screening measures before taking part in a semi structured interview. The interviews were analysed using Glaser and Strauss (1967) grounded theory approach from a critical realist perspective, and a clear model emerged from the data. The model highlighted the role of relationships with therapists and wider supporting mental health team through the EMDR process that encouraged a reconnection with a sense of self and reconnection with others. EMDR processes and improvements in relationships contributed to a reduction in psychosis, greater sense of connection and felt support, personal growth and a sense of distance from trauma in recovery that allowed a return to normal day to day activities. Clinical implications, limitations and future research were considered.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
23/WA/0068
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion