Summary: This experimental study compared the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and systematic desensitization in reducing public speaking anxiety in 16 students with high anxiety levels. The students were randomly assigned to either an EFT group or a systematic desensitization group, with both interventions applied twice per session over a four-week period. The results showed that both interventions reduced anxiety, but EFT was found to be more effective than systematic desensitization in reducing public speaking anxiety. Additionally, the study found a positive correlation between the number of EFT sessions and anxiety reduction, suggesting that more sessions led to greater anxiety reduction.
Citation and link: Madoni, E. R., Wibowo, M. E., & Japar, M. (2018). Group counseling with systematic desensitization and EFT to reduce public speaking anxiety. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling, 7(1), 28-35. PSA EFT Paper to add to Research page.pdf