Summary: This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in reducing depression symptoms in 20 studies, including 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 outcome studies. The results showed that EFT was highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with large effect sizes at post-test (Cohen's d = 1.85 for RCTs) and follow-up assessments.
EFT was found to be superior to treatment as usual (TAU) and some active treatment controls, and comparable to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The study concluded that EFT can be an effective treatment for depression, producing significant symptom reductions that are maintained over time.
Citation and Link: Nelms, J. & Castel, L. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the treatment of depression. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 13(6), 416-426. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2016.08.001