EMDR Flash Group Protocol for Earthquake Survivors

Preliminary Effects of an Early EMDR Flash Group Intervention on Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the preliminary effects of the online EMDR Flash Group Protocol among adults affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control group. The primary outcome was change in posttraumatic stress symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

The Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 2023 affected millions of people and were associated with substantial psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Early psychological interventions may help reduce acute distress and improve posttraumatic outcomes following disaster exposure.

This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted approximately one month after the earthquakes. Adults affected by the disaster were recruited online and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol intervention or a waitlist control condition. The intervention was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals using a standardized protocol consisting of two group sessions.

The primary objective was to evaluate the preliminary effects of the EMDR Flash Group Protocol on posttraumatic stress symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate changes in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Outcomes were assessed using self-report measures at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

This study was conducted as a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention following a large-scale natural disaster.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Present in the earthquake-affected region during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes
• Directly experienced the earthquake or were affected through disaster-related exposure
• Ability to participate in online sessions
• Access to the necessary technological equipment and internet connection
• Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intellectual disability
• Current or past psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
• Bipolar disorder
• History of severe head trauma
• Inability to participate in the online intervention format