Date
4-29-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Kevin Conner
Keywords
attachment, EMDR, security, somatic therapy, trauma
Disciplines
Counseling | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Arbelo, Kimberly Anne, "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a Moderator in Attachment Security Scores Accounting for Trauma" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8175.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8175
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in increasing attachment security scores. A theoretical foundation of at attachment theory and somatic therapy are discussed. Attachment theory is expounded upon to better understand the development, maintenance, and break down of emotional and intimate bonds. Traumatic experiences are investigated to better understand its potential influence on insecure and secure symptoms within attachments. The Experiences in Close Relationships, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM-5-TR, and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDs) are instruments utilized in the study to measure attachment and trauma scores. The study investigated four hypotheses to assess the relationship between EMDR and attachment. The study comprised of 11 participants who went through eight sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to evaluate the prediction that EMDR will positively influence attachment scores and decrease trauma scores. The study found statistically significant reductions in attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and PTSD symptoms following eight sessions of EMDR therapy. Due to only one participant in the secure attachment group (n = 1), the experimental design could not run inferential statistical measures for comparison. Paired-samples t-tests revealed large effect sizes across all variables, suggesting meaningful clinical improvement. The findings suggest that EMDR may be an effective intervention for improving attachment security and reducing trauma related symptoms in adults. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed as well as integration of EMDR in attachment-focused therapeutic approaches.
