Research & Scientific Evidence
The following peer-reviewed studies provide the empirical basis for the Working Memory and Orienting Response models of bilateral stimulation.
Understanding the Research
Two primary theoretical models explain how bilateral stimulation works: the Working Memory Model proposes that eye movements compete for limited cognitive resources, reducing the intensity of traumatic memories; the Orienting Response Model suggests that bilateral stimulation triggers a natural relaxation response. The studies below provide evidence for these mechanisms.
Working Memory Studies
Andrade, J., Kavanagh, D., & Baddeley, A. (1997)
Eye movements and visual imagery: A working memory approach. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 36(2), 209-226.
Key finding: Eye movements performed during image recall significantly reduced both the vividness and emotional intensity of memories, consistent with a working-memory competition account. The authors proposed that eye movements tax the visuospatial sketchpad—a limited-capacity component of working memory—leaving fewer cognitive resources available to maintain vivid mental imagery.
Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2008)
How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working memory account. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 39(3), 223-231.
Key finding: Horizontal eye movements during memory recall reduced both vividness and emotionality of negative autobiographical memories, providing direct support for the working-memory competition account. Crucially, these effects persisted when memories were retested 24 hours later, indicating durable memory reconsolidation rather than temporary suppression.
Van den Hout, M. A., Engelhard, I. M., Rijkeboer, M. M., et al. (2011)
EMDR: Eye movements superior to beeps in taxing working memory and reducing vividness of recollections. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(1), 1-8.
Key finding: Eye movements were superior to auditory tones in reducing memory vividness and emotionality, consistent with modality-specific working-memory competition. Because eye movements load the visuospatial sketchpad while auditory tones load the phonological loop, visual memories are disrupted more effectively by the visual dual-task—exactly as predicted by Baddeley's multicomponent working-memory model.
Orienting Response & Physiological Studies
Barrowcliff, A. L., Gray, N. S., Freeman, T. C. A., & MacCulloch, M. J. (2004)
Eye-movements reduce the vividness, emotional valence and electrodermal arousal associated with negative autobiographical memories. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 15(2), 325-345.
Key finding: Horizontal eye movements reduced subjective distress while simultaneously producing measurable physiological de-arousal, including decreased heart rate and skin conductance. This pattern of results is consistent with an orienting-response account, wherein repetitive bilateral stimulation elicits a parasympathetic "investigatory reflex" that down-regulates sympathetic arousal.
Memory Consolidation & Sleep Models
Stickgold, R. (2002)
EMDR: A putative neurobiological mechanism of action. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 61-75.
Key finding: This theoretical paper proposed that EMDR may operate through mechanisms analogous to REM sleep, during which the brain naturally processes and integrates emotional memories. The rhythmic eye movements characteristic of both EMDR and REM sleep may engage overlapping neurobiological systems, facilitating the assimilation of traumatic memories into broader, more adaptive memory networks—a process consistent with contemporary memory-reconsolidation theory.
Important Notes
While these studies support the mechanisms behind bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy as a complete treatment involves multiple components beyond eye movements alone. The research suggests bilateral stimulation is an active ingredient, but the therapeutic relationship, structured protocol, and cognitive processing also contribute to treatment outcomes.
For clinical applications, always consult with a trained EMDR therapist. This tool is designed for self-regulation and focus enhancement, not as a replacement for professional trauma therapy.