Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Parenting-Related Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based modality that has shown effectiveness in treating several psychological conditions. However, the utility of EMDR within parenting contexts is yet to be systematically explored. This review aimed to summarize and assess existing research on the impact of EMDR on parenting-related outcomes in order to identify research gaps and inform future research. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across 8 databases for peer-reviewed, English-language studies that provided EMDR to parents of children aged 0 to 12 years. Eleven studies met the criteria, comprising clinical case reports and small-scale trials. EMDR intervention was found to reduce parents’ post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms, enhance parental self-concept, and improve emotional experiences related to parenting and parent–child relationships. The findings also suggested that EMDR had benefits on child outcomes, including reduced clinical symptomatology associated with neurodevelopmental and obsessive–compulsive disorders. However, the results are limited by methodological shortcomings, including small, culturally homogenous samples; a lack of standardized measures and experimental control; and the absence of follow-up protocols. EMDR demonstrates potential for enhancing parenting-related outcomes, although larger, controlled research designs and trials with longer-term follow-up are required to clarify the mechanisms of action and efficacy, in order to further guide clinical application.