title: The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing procedure prevents defensive processing in health persuasion.
abstract: In the present study, the method of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is studied to understand and prevent defensive reactions with regard to a negatively framed message advocating fruit and vegetable consumption. EMDR has been shown to tax the working memory. Participants from a university sample (n = 124) listened to the persuasive message in a randomized laboratory experiment. In the EMDR condition, they were also instructed to follow with their eyes a dot on the computer screen. The dot constantly moved from one side of the screen to the other in 2 seconds. In addition, a self-affirmation procedure was applied in half of the participants. EMDR led to a significant increase in persuasion, only in recipients in whom the persuasive message could be expected to activate defensive self-regulation (in participants with a moderate health value and in participants with low self-esteem). In those with a moderate health value, EMDR increased persuasion, but only when recipients were not affirmed. In addition, EMDR increased persuasion only in recipients with low self-esteem, not in those with high self-esteem. These results showed that EMDR influenced persuasion and in some way lowered defensive reactions. The similarities and differences in effects of EMDR and self-affirmation further increased our insight into the psychology of defensiveness.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Social Psychology , University of Groningen.
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
authors.forename: Regine
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Asten
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D057169:Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D012649:Self Concept; D014675:Vegetables