EMDR Adaptive Information Processing Model 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the AIP framework, what distinguishes a 'small t' trauma from a 'large T' Trauma?
- Small t traumas only affect children, while large T traumas affect adults
- Small t traumas are less distressing events that still create dysfunctional memory storage (Correct answer)
- Small t traumas are always resolved without therapy
- Small t traumas involve physical injury while large T traumas involve emotional harm
Correct answer: Small t traumas are less distressing events that still create dysfunctional memory storage
The AIP model recognizes that 'small t' traumasâsuch as humiliation or rejectionâcan also create dysfunctionally stored memories that contribute to current psychological symptoms.
Question 2: According to Shapiro's AIP model, what is the primary source of most psychopathology?
- Genetic predispositions and brain chemistry imbalances
- Dysfunctionally stored memories from earlier adverse experiences (Correct answer)
- Learned maladaptive behaviors reinforced by the environment
- Unconscious drive conflicts unresolved from childhood
Correct answer: Dysfunctionally stored memories from earlier adverse experiences
The AIP model proposes that the majority of psychological disorders arise from dysfunctionally stored memories of adverse or traumatic experiences that were not adequately processed.
Question 3: What does the AIP model predict will happen to symptoms when the underlying dysfunctional memory is fully processed?
- Symptoms will temporarily increase before gradually returning
- Symptoms will remit because they were maintained by the unprocessed memory (Correct answer)
- Symptoms will shift to a different disorder due to symptom substitution
- Symptoms will require additional behavioral interventions to resolve
Correct answer: Symptoms will remit because they were maintained by the unprocessed memory
Because symptoms are understood as expressions of the unprocessed memory network, full processing of that network leads to natural and lasting symptom relief.
Question 4: In the AIP model, the phrase 'the past is present' refers to which clinical phenomenon?
- Clients who only discuss historical events and avoid present concerns
- Current symptoms being driven by unprocessed memories intruding into present experience (Correct answer)
- Therapists using historical context to understand present behavior
- The permanence of memory traces over a lifetime
Correct answer: Current symptoms being driven by unprocessed memories intruding into present experience
Unprocessed memories intrude into the present in the form of current symptoms, meaning past unresolved experiences are actively shaping current emotional and behavioral responses.
Question 5: Which of the following best represents the AIP model's view on the relationship between beliefs and memories?
- Beliefs cause memories to be stored dysfunctionally
- Maladaptive beliefs are encoded within and arise from unprocessed memory networks (Correct answer)
- Beliefs must be challenged cognitively before memory processing can begin
- Beliefs are separate from memory and must be treated independently
Correct answer: Maladaptive beliefs are encoded within and arise from unprocessed memory networks
The AIP model holds that negative self-beliefs are embedded within frozen traumatic memory networks and will naturally shift to adaptive ones as the memory is processed.
Question 6: How does the AIP model conceptualize the mechanism of bilateral stimulation in EMDR?
- It directly erases traumatic content from the brain
- It facilitates the information processing system to resume processing frozen memories (Correct answer)
- It creates a state of dissociation that allows emotional distancing
- It activates the prefrontal cortex to override limbic responses
Correct answer: It facilitates the information processing system to resume processing frozen memories
Bilateral stimulation is theorized to jumpstart or facilitate the innate adaptive information processing system, enabling it to resume processing that was blocked during trauma.
Question 7: In the AIP model, what is the function of the 'adaptive resolution' that occurs at the end of successful EMDR processing?
- The client forgives the perpetrator of their trauma
- The traumatic memory is linked with appropriate adaptive information and perspective (Correct answer)
- The traumatic event is reinterpreted as never having occurred
- The therapist provides a corrective emotional experience through the relationship
Correct answer: The traumatic memory is linked with appropriate adaptive information and perspective
Adaptive resolution means the traumatic memory becomes associated with accurate, healthy informationâallowing the client to hold the memory with realistic perspective and reduced distress.
EMDR Adaptive Information Processing Model 3
In the AIP framework, what distinguishes a 'small t' trauma from a 'large T' Trauma?