Field Study on the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Female Survivors of Exploitation, Trafficking and Early Marriage in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Author: Smyth-Dent, Kelly; Walsh, Sarah Frances & Smith, Sadie

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms with females in Dhaka, Bangladesh (and the surrounding areas) who have survived exploitation, trafficking and/or early marriage (under 15 years old). A total of 27 females were treated simultaneously with intensive EMDR therapy (six group sessions during two consecutive days, three times per day). Each of the treatment group participants received an average of six hours of EMDR therapy. EMDR-IGTP-OTS treatment focused only on the distressing memories related to their experience of exploitation, trafficking and/or early marriage. No adverse effects were reported during treatment, post-treatment, or at 90-day follow-up assessment. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL5) were used as pre- and post-treatment assessments measuring each client’s anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, respectively. The ANOVA results of the HADS-anxiety scores F(2, 42)=3.62, p=.035 and the HADS-depression scores F(1.54, 32.34)=0.96, p > .05 show that the measures were significantly different between tests. The statistical analysis of the PCL-5 measures was also significantly different between tests, F(2, 42)=8.45, p=.001. The study results show that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS could be an important component of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce or eliminate PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms of participants. More research is needed to address the mental, social and health-care needs of this vulnerable population.

Keywords: EMDR therapy, EMDR-IGTP-OTS, group therapy, trauma exposure, child bride, early marriage, exploitation, trafficking