Increases of correct memories and spontaneous false memories due to eye movements when memories are retrieved after a time delay

However, literature on possible adverse memory effects of EMDR is scarce. Using the Deese/Roediger- McDermott (DRM) false memory paradigm, we examined the susceptibility to spontaneous false memories after performing eye movements, as used in EMDR.

In Experiment 1, 72 undergraduates received word lists containing negative and neutral associated words and immediately after this they were given a free recall and recognition test. In Experiment 2, 68 undergraduates underwent the free recall and recognition test 48 h later. During the free recall phase in both experiments, participants either performed eye movements or not (control condition).