Research on EFT for Overall Health and Wellbeing
This area represents the clinical research conducted on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for overall health and wellbeing. Explore by title below. Where the paper is available free of charge in an open access journal, you can download it and use freely (on website, social media, newsletters). If it is behind a pay wall, you can freely share the abstract and reference but cannot share the full article, due to copyright.
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
Abstract
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy. However, information about the physiological effects of EFT is limited. The current study sought to elucidate EFTs mechanisms of action across the central nervous system (CNS) by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and heart coherence (HC); the circulatory system using resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP); the endocrine system using cortisol, and the immune system using salivary immunoglobulin A (SigA). The second aim was to measure psychological symptoms. Participants (N = 203) were enrolled in a 4-day training workshop held in different locations. At one workshop (n = 31), participants also received comprehensive physiological testing. Posttest, significant declines were found in anxiety (−40%), depression (−35%), posttraumatic stress disorder (−32%), pain (−57%), and cravings (−74%), all P <.000. Happiness increased (+31%, P =.000) as did SigA (+113%, P =.017). Significant improvements were found in RHR (−8%, P =.001), cortisol (−37%, P <.000), systolic BP (−6%, P =.001), and diastolic BP (−8%, P <.000). Positive trends were observed for HRV and HC and gains were maintained on follow-up, indicating EFT results in positive health effects as well as increased mental well-being.
Citation (APA Style): Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18823691
Direct link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2515690X18823691
Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Abstract
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFTs) combine elements of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques with acupoint stimulation. Meta-analyses indicate large effect sizes for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety; however, treatment effects may be due to components EFT shares with other therapies. This analysis reviewed whether EFTs acupressure component was an active ingredient. Six studies of adults with diagnosed or self-identified psychological or physical symptoms were compared (n = 403), and three (n = 102) were identified. Pretest vs. posttest EFT treatment showed a large effect size, Cohen's d = 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 2.00) and Hedges' g = 1.25 (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.96). Acupressure groups demonstrated moderately stronger outcomes than controls, with weighted posttreatment effect sizes of d = -0.47 (95% CI, -0.94 to 0.0) and g = -0.45 (95% CI, -0.91 to 0.0). Meta-analysis indicated that the acupressure component was an active ingredient and outcomes were not due solely to placebo, nonspecific effects of any therapy, or nonacupressure components.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Stapleton, P., Yang, A., & Gallo, F. (2018). Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 206(10), 783-793. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000000878
Direct link: https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/abstract/2018/10000/is_tapping_on_acupuncture_points_an_active.6.aspx
App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings
Abstract
Background: The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies.
Methods: App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”)using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totalling 380,034 completed app sessions.
Results: Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (P<.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83,SD 0.54; P<.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats.
Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Stapleton, P. B., & Sabot, D. (2020). App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), 1-15. Article e18545. https://doi.org/10.2196/18545
Direct link: https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/10/e18545/
Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Psychological and Physiological Conditions: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: Since the turn of the century, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has come into widespread use in medical and psychological treatment settings. It is also used as self-help by tens of millions of people each year. Clinical EFT, the manualized form of the method, has been validated as an “evidence-based” practice using criteria published by the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Its three essential ingredients are exposure, cognitive framing, and acupressure.
Objectives: In 2013 we published a paper defining Clinical EFT and reviewing published research. It has been viewed or downloaded over 36,000 times, indicating widespread interest in this treatment modality. Here we update our findings based on subsequently published literature and propose directions for future research.
Method: We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Retrieval of 4,167 results resulted in the identification of 56 RCTs (n = 2,013), 41 of which were published subsequent to our earlier review, as well as eight meta-analyses.
Results: RCTs have found EFT treatment to be effective for (a) psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (b) physiological issues such as pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions; (c) professional and sports performance; and (d) biological markers of stress. Meta-analyses evaluating the effect of EFT treatment have found it to be “moderate” to “large.” Successful independent replication studies have been carried out for anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, sports performance, and cortisol levels. We outline the next steps in EFT research. These include determining its impact on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment; analysis of the large-scale datasets made possible by mobile apps; and delivery through channels such as virtual practitioner sessions, artificial intelligence agents, online courses, apps, virtual reality platforms, and standardized group therapy.
Conclusions: Subsequent research has confirmed the conclusions of earlier studies. These find Clinical EFT to be efficacious for a range of psychological and physiological conditions. Comparatively few treatment sessions are required, treatment is effective whether delivered in person or virtually, and symptom improvements persist over time. Treatment is associated with measurable biological effects in the dimensions of gene expression, brain synchrony, hormonal synthesis, and a wide range of biomarkers. Clinical EFT is a stable and mature method with an extensive evidence base. Its use in primary care settings as a safe, rapid, reliable, and effective treatment for both psychological and medical diagnoses continues to grow.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Stapleton, P. B., Vasudevan, A., & O'Keefe, T. (2022). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 951451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451
Direct link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full
Improving Caregiver Coping Resources, Reducing Burden, and Promoting Well-Being: Emotional Freedom Technique
Abstract
This quantitative pre-experimental pretest–posttest study examined if, and to what extent, differences existed in perceived well-being, coping resources, and caregiving burden preand post-implementation of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for caregivers of chronically ill, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients post-COVID-19 in Southwestern Arizona. This study was designed to determine if the self-applied intervention would help reduce caregiver burden and improve perceived well-being and coping skills. Emotional Freedom Technique is based off acupuncture and cognitive/cognitive behavioral theory. A convenience sample of 17 participants was recruited through three caregiver organizations. A class teaching EFT was given to non-professional, adult female caregivers. The preassessments included the Zarit Burden Interview, the Friedman Well-Being Scale, and the Coping Resources Inventory (time 1). Participants took the Coping Resources Inventory again immediately following the EFT class (time 2). Then the participants practiced EFT for 7 days post class and took all three assessments again (time 3). The repeated measures ANOVA results found a statistically nonsignificant EFT effect on caregiver coping resources: F(2, 32) = 1.04, p = .36. The Zarit scores showed a 25% reduction in the caregiver burden scores (Mpre = 48.76, Mpost = 36.59). The results of the paired-sample t-test performed on the Friedman Well-Being scores showed a significant 23% increase in caregiver well-being scores (Mpre = 62.30, Mpost = 76.53). These findings represent evidence of the EFT potential to improve the lives of caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and justify further research on EFT effectiveness.
Citation (APA Style): Horton-Garcia, S. R. (2025). Improving caregiver coping resources, reducing burden, and promoting well-being: Emotional freedom technique [Doctor of Philosophy]. https://www.proquest.com/openview/a1d0804e8c6b60e9c00322598fb8cb0e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Direct link: https://www.proquest.com/openview/a1d0804e8c6b60e9c00322598fb8cb0e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
