Final answer:
The statement regarding EMDR suggesting that psychopathology is due to blocked processing of traumatic memories is true. EMDR is designed to access and reprocess these trapped memories to alleviate symptoms of disorders like PTSD.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that according to the exposure therapy approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), psychopathology occurs when information processing is blocked and trauma becomes trapped or locked in an individual's neurophysiology is true. EMDR suggests that when a traumatic event occurs, normal information processing can be overwhelmed, and the memory of the event is inadequately processed. This inadequately processed memory is stored in an isolated memory network associated with emotions and physical sensations experienced at the time of the traumatic event. Treatment involving EMDR aims to allow the brain to resume normal information processing by accessing these trapped memories and facilitating their integration into generalized memory networks.
EMDR relates to models such as the Atkinson-Shiffrin model which breaks down memory processing into sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. It also complements the arousal theory, which posits that strong emotions can lead to the formation of strong memories. However, when these emotions are overwhelming, such as in cases of trauma, the event can be blocked from conscious memory, similar to the concept of repression described by Freud. The understanding of these mechanisms is crucial in developing treatments for disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, where recollection of the traumatic events creates a disability. EMDR uses a structured approach to aid individuals in reprocessing these blocked traumatic memories.