Publication Date
Fall 2025
School
School of Nursing
Major
Nursing (B.S.N.)
Keywords
EMDR, TF-CBT, adoption, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, adverse childhood experiences
Disciplines
Mental Disorders | Pediatric Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Recommended Citation
Steiner, Grace Ann, "The Efficacy of EMDR Therapy Compared to TF-CBT in Adopted Children to Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review" (2025). Senior Honors Theses. 1549.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1549
Abstract
This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing current therapies, this research highlights the areas needing additional study to address the mental health care for this patient population.
Included in
Mental Disorders Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons
