2019

This article reviews psychological treatments for PTSD in youth, finding that trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is the most effective, while Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) showed a large positive effect but requires further research due to limited evidence. Other interventions, such as child–parent psychotherapy and meditation, also demonstrated promising results, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.

This pilot study investigated the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on brain activity in overweight adults experiencing food cravings, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results showed that EFT led to significant reductions in food cravings and decreased activation in brain regions associated with reward and cognition, suggesting potential neurological mechanisms behind its effectiveness in weight management.

This study examined the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as a tapping therapy for reducing state and trait anxiety among female university students in Pakistan. Using a quasi-experimental design, researchers found that EFT significantly lowered anxiety levels, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for student anxiety.

This study investigated the effectiveness of two modified Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence (PEAT) protocols in reducing communication apprehension. Fifty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: PEAT with acupressure, PEAT without acupressure, or a no-treatment control group. Results showed no significant differences in communication apprehension scores or subjective experiences between groups. However, qualitative feedback suggested that participants perceived the PEAT technique as beneficial. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of PEAT for communication apprehension.

This experimental study provides preliminary evidence that Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) may influence microRNA expression, potentially linking psychological interventions to molecular-level changes. Although statistical significance was not achieved after adjusting for multiple comparisons, the downregulation of let-7b and let-7c microRNAs—which have been associated with neuroplasticity and emotional regulation—suggests a possible biological mechanism underlying EFT's effects. These findings support further investigation into the role of noncoding RNAs in mediating therapeutic outcomes, particularly in the treatment of PTSD and other stress-related conditions.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Breathing Awareness (BA) on reducing childbirth fear, showing that both methods were beneficial, with EFT having a more lasting impact. The findings suggest that EFT may help pregnant women cope with contractions and pain more effectively than BA, though further studies are needed to confirm its long-term benefits.

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of online Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for managing food cravings and weight loss. Results showed significant reductions in cravings, weight, anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms, with treatment gains maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, suggesting online EFT is a promising tool for long-term weight management.

This pilot study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the effect of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on brain activation in response to food cravings in overweight/obese individuals, finding that EFT decreased food cravings and brain activity in areas associated with emotional processing. The study suggests that EFT may be a useful technique for reducing food-related symptoms and weight loss by influencing brain activity in regions linked to emotional regulation and food cravings.

This study looked at the effects of combining Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and EcoMeditation on brain activity and consciousness, finding that the combination improved participants' ability to enter meditative states and sustain them in daily life. The results showed that EcoMeditation produced high levels of brain activity associated with calm and focused states, and that participants were able to achieve advanced brain states normally found only after years of meditation practice.

This case study examined the effectiveness of combining Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in treating a survivor of the Twin Towers collapse with prolonged Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The results showed that a single session of EFT, used in conjunction with EMDR, eliminated clinically significant symptoms of PTSD and allowed the participant to return to work after many years of disability

This study explored the effectiveness of combining Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and hypnosis in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in survivors of sexual assault, finding a significant reduction in symptoms after just four sessions. The results showed a 34.3% decrease in PTSD symptom severity, suggesting that this combined treatment approach may be a promising and effective way to help survivors of sexual assault heal from their experiences.

A study in France found that EFT significantly improved mood, reduced aggression and agitation, and improved relationships with family and carers among older adults, and the technique has also been used effectively in various healthcare settings, including care homes and community nursing. It is encouraging to see publication of this article in a nursing journal as well as to see evidence of exploration of the use of EFT in an important demographic of older adults for which there is limited study.

This study explored the impact of teaching Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to secondary school students as a self-care tool for reducing stress and test anxiety, and found that despite issues with the quantitative data, students provided valuable feedback through a qualitative questionnaire. The results showed that 67% of students recommended teaching EFT in schools, and many shared examples of how they used EFT to cope with schoolwork, sports, and personal relationships, suggesting that EFT can be a beneficial tool for students, particularly those who are motivated to learn it.

A study of 39 business owners with companies grossing over $9 million annually found that a one-day Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) seminar significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, with a 34% decline in symptom severity. Participants also experienced a 41% reduction in pain and a 50% decrease in cravings for problem foods and substances.

This study examined the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on exam anxiety in Turkish nursing students, finding that three group EFT sessions significantly reduced state and trait anxiety levels as measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results suggest that EFT may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing exam-related stress, though further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.The study was published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine: Volume 32, December 2019, 101002