The Effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing on Prospective Imagery and Anxiety in Golfers

Abstract

In this study we make a novel contribution by examining the effects of an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) intervention on detrimental prospective imagery in 4 amateur golfers, using a single-case multiple-baseline across-participants design. Postintervention, all participants reported reduced negative imagery effects; Participants 1, 3, and 4 showed reduced cognitive anxiety, Participants 1 and 4 reduced somatic anxiety, and Participant 3 positively relabeled somatic anxiety experiences. Social validation data demonstrated EMDR to be perceived positively and effective in delivering notable changes. Consultancy experiences of using EMDR in golf are discussed, and areas for future researchers and applied practitioners are outlined.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Dr. Matthew Slater and Andrew Wood for comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript and to Dr. Deeprose and Dr. Holmes for permission to use the Impact of Future15 Events Scale.