Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Dissociative Experiences and Behavioral Brain Systems in Women with Binge Eating Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on dissociative experiences and behavioral brain systems in women diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Methodology: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments in a control group format. The statistical population included women with BED referred to the Mastaneh Psychology Clinic in 2023. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (15 in each). The experimental group received five sessions of EMDR therapy across eight structured phases based on Luber's (2019) protocol. Both groups completed the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES; Bernstein & Putnam, 1986) and the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS; Carver & White, 1994) at three time points. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-26 after verifying statistical assumptions.

Findings: The results showed that EMDR therapy significantly reduced dissociative experiences in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = .002, η² = .162). In addition, a significant decrease in behavioral inhibition (p = .006, η² = .140) and a significant increase in behavioral activation (p = .001, η² = .181) were observed in the experimental group over time. Bonferroni post hoc tests confirmed that these improvements were sustained during the follow-up phase.

Conclusion: EMDR therapy is an effective intervention for reducing dissociative experiences and improving the regulation of behavioral brain systems in women with Binge Eating Disorder. These findings support the use of trauma-informed approaches in the treatment of BED and highlight EMDR as a promising modality for addressing underlying emotional and neurobiological dysregulation.