Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 2 (7-2026)
JRUMS 2026, 25(2): 133-146 |
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Ethics code: IR.SEMUMS.REC.1403.28
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Hefazi Torghabeh L, Najafi M. The Effectiveness of Combined Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study. JRUMS 2026; 25 (2) :133-146
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7930-en.html
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7930-en.html
Semnan University
Keywords: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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The Effectiveness of Combined Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Leila Hefazi Torghabeh[1], Mahmoud Najafi[2]
Received: 28/01/26 Sent for Revision: 29/03/26 Received Revised Manuscript: 05/05/26 Accepted: 09/05/26
Background and Objectives: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is typically characterized by internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety. The present study aimed to examine the impact of an integrated Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Materials and Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest structure and a 3-month follow-up, including a control group. The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with BPD who referred to psychotherapy centers in Mashhad City during 2024 and 2025. A total of 50 participants were selected through convenience sampling; they were then randomly assigned and matched based on demographic variables and clinical history to experimental and control groups, with 25 participants in each. The experimental group received 20 weekly sessions of the combined EMDR+DBT intervention. The control group received either DBT or the combined treatment of their choice after the intervention phase concluded. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress across the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages (p<0.001). Furthermore, the interaction effect of time and group membership was found to be significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that integrating these two therapies, with a simultaneous focus on emotion regulation and trauma processing, leads to improved psychological distress in individuals with BPD. Therefore, it is recommended that clinicians should incorporate this combined treatment approach into their intervention protocols for BPD.
Keywords: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical considerations: The Ethics Committee of Semnan University of Medical Sciences approved the study (IR.SEMUMS.REC.1403.28).
Authors’ contributions:
- Conceptualization: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Methodology: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Data collection: Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Formal analysis: Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Supervision: Mahmoud Najafi
- Project administration: Mahmoud Najafi
- Writing – original draft: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Writing – review & editing: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
Leila Hefazi Torghabeh[1], Mahmoud Najafi[2]
Background and Objectives: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is typically characterized by internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety. The present study aimed to examine the impact of an integrated Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Materials and Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest structure and a 3-month follow-up, including a control group. The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with BPD who referred to psychotherapy centers in Mashhad City during 2024 and 2025. A total of 50 participants were selected through convenience sampling; they were then randomly assigned and matched based on demographic variables and clinical history to experimental and control groups, with 25 participants in each. The experimental group received 20 weekly sessions of the combined EMDR+DBT intervention. The control group received either DBT or the combined treatment of their choice after the intervention phase concluded. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress across the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages (p<0.001). Furthermore, the interaction effect of time and group membership was found to be significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that integrating these two therapies, with a simultaneous focus on emotion regulation and trauma processing, leads to improved psychological distress in individuals with BPD. Therefore, it is recommended that clinicians should incorporate this combined treatment approach into their intervention protocols for BPD.
Keywords: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical considerations: The Ethics Committee of Semnan University of Medical Sciences approved the study (IR.SEMUMS.REC.1403.28).
Authors’ contributions:
- Conceptualization: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Methodology: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Data collection: Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Formal analysis: Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Supervision: Mahmoud Najafi
- Project administration: Mahmoud Najafi
- Writing – original draft: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
- Writing – review & editing: Mahmoud Najafi, Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
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Citation: Hefazi Torghabeh L, Najafi M. The Effectiveness of Combined Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2026; 25 (2): 133-46. doi: 10.66224/jrums.25.2.133. [Farsi].
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[1]- PhD Candidate in Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
[2]- Associate Professor., Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
ORCID: 0000-0002-1160-2117
(Corresponding Author) Tel: (023) 31533059, E-mail: m_najafi@semnan.ac.ir
ORCID: 0000-0002-1160-2117
(Corresponding Author) Tel: (023) 31533059, E-mail: m_najafi@semnan.ac.ir
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
روانپزشكي
Received: 2026/01/19 | Accepted: 2026/06/7 | Published: 2026/07/28
Received: 2026/01/19 | Accepted: 2026/06/7 | Published: 2026/07/28
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