The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing-based online group counseling for university students: Psychological need satisfaction, psychological resilience, psychological well-being, and small ‘t’ trauma.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study explored the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-based online group counseling for university students whose basic psychological needs had not been met in relation to need satisfaction, psychological resilience, psychological well-being, and small "t" trauma. Method: Using three measurements, namely a pretest, posttest, and follow-up test, this study employed a 4 × 3 experimental design comprising four groups, two experiments, one control group, and one placebo group. The data were collected using the Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Small-t Trauma Effects Scale. A two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction were performed for the data analysis. Results: The findings showed a significant positive time-intervention interaction effect with respect to psychological needs and its subcategories (autonomy, relatedness, and competence), as well as psychological resilience, psychological well-being, and the small-t trauma effect and its two subcategories (negative effects on self and future perception and negative effects on emotions, thoughts, and behaviors). The effect of EMDR-based online group counseling on negative effects on body sense (the subcategory of small-t trauma) showed no significant interaction of time and intervention. Conclusion: The results indicated that, in addition to healing trauma, EMDR was also found to be effective in relation to psychological resilience and well-being. Clinical Impact StatementThis study highlights how trauma treatment can be useful for those without major trauma. In this study, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was found to be effective not only in relation to small "t" traumas, but also in building psychological resilience and well-being. It is believed that this study has the potential to contribute to the field of psychological trauma, particularly in terms of broadening the use of EMDR for different applications and in addressing the influence of childhood rearing practices (such as those defined as small-t trauma) on psychological functioning and well-being in later life.