Science and Research: Meta-Analyses

A Meta-Analysis statistically combines the results of several studies that address a shared research hypothesis. It will answer 3 basic questions: Is the effect significant, and/or strong? Is the effect more significant than what would be expected by chance alone? Can we explain any variance between the studies?

Psychological and Psychosocial Treatments for Children and Young People with Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Network Meta‐Analysis

Filed Under: 2020, Daly, C, Dias, S, EFT-Related Modalities, Mavranezouli, I, Megnin‐Viggars, O, Meiser‐Stedman, R, Meta-Analyses, Pilling, S, PTSD & Trauma, Stockton, S, Trickey, D

This meta analyses evaluated previously published studies. As I read this abstract the authors appeared to rate the interventions’ respective effectiveness based on the significance of their effect size with the largest being CT for PTSD and second being the category that includes EFT which is huge when considered this was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Filed Under: 2020, Church, D, EFT Mechanisms, Gallo, F, Kip, K, Meta-Analyses, Stapleton, P

Meta-analysis of 6 studies that looked at the active control mechanism in EFT comparing fingertip tapping, diaphragmatic breathing and sham acupoints.

Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health

Filed Under: 2019, Bach, D, Church, D, Clinical Applications, Groesbeck, G, Meta-Analyses, Science Papers, Sims, R, Stapleton, P

This study explores the physiological effects of EFT on research subjects. The study had two aims. Firstly, to look at the effect of EFT across the central nervous system including heart rate variability, heart coherence, resting heart rate and blood pressure. It additionally measured cortisol levels and immune function using salivary immunoglobulin A (Sig A) measures.

The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Filed Under: 2016, Meta-Analyses, Nelms, J, PTSD & Trauma, Sebastien, B, Veterans

The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Trials of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the Treatment of Depression

Filed Under: 2016, Castel, L, Meta-Analyses, Nelms, J

All studies (2005–2015) evaluating EFT for sufferers of depression were identified by electronic search; these included both outcome studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs)… In total, 20 studies were qualified for inclusion, 12 RCTs and 8 outcome studies… The results show that Clinical EFT were highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings. EFT were equal or superior to TAU and other active treatment controls.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Anxiety: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Filed Under: 2016, Anxiety, Clond, M, Meta-Analyses, Research Reviews

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) combines elements of exposure and cognitive therapies with acupressure for the treatment of psychological distress. Randomized controlled trials retrieved by literature search were assessed for quality using the criteria developed by the American Psychological Association’s Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Treatments. As of December 2015, 14 studies (n = 658) met inclusion criteria.

The Efficacy of Acupoint Stimulation in the Treatment of Psychological Distress

Filed Under: 2015, Gilomen S A, Lee, C W, Meta-Analyses, Science Papers

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis including 18 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), with a total of 921 participants…The authors report that EFT appears to produce an effect, producing a moderate effect size… Most of the included studies were found to have several methodological shortcomings however, including lack of comparison of EFT to established treatments. The authors say this meant that it was not possible to determine if the effect is due to acupoint stimulation or to treatment elements that it has in common with other therapies, and therefore conclude that the evidence for EFT is yet to be established.