Browsing by Author "Ten Cate, Hein"

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    Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) facilitating rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) in the treatment of test anxiety
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998-05) Ten Cate, Hein; Van der Westhuizen, Le Roux; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Recent research in psychotherapy reflects the development of a pragmatic eclecticism. This new eclecticism also fits into the growing perception that relevant aspects of different schools of thought can be brought together to develop more balanced, holistic scientific models of psychoth~rapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an eclectic psychotherapeutic approach, combining Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REST) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), would lead to a more effective therapy for the treatment of test anxiety than Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) alone. A group of six undergraduate university students receiving only REST, was compared to a similar group of students that received a combination of REST and EMDR, as well as to a control group of six students. Five group sessions of REST as well as one individual session of REST or EMDR were presented over a period of three weeks. The level of test anxiety, the dependant variable of this study, was measured before and after the respective psychotherapeutic interventions, as well as at follow-up. As an outcome measure of the in vivo levels of test anxiety of the participants in the two treatment groups, a theoretical test of the REST rationale was also administered. The REST treatment and the combination of REST and EMDR treatment both succeeded in significantly reducing test anxiety. The results of the combined treatment however, were not significantly better than that of the REST group. There was a statistical tendency to a greater reduction in test anxiety with the REST treatment alone, than with the REST and EMDR combined.