Research on EFT for Pain and Physical Symptoms
This area represents the clinical research conducted on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for pain and physical symptoms (symptoms and diagnostic conditions). 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.
Neural Changes After Emotional Freedom Techniques Treatment for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Abstract
This clinical trial investigated the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) intervention on brain activation in chronic pain sufferers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). EFT is a brief stress reduction technique which combines stating a cognitive statement with somatic tapping on acupressure points. Twenty-four adults were allocated to a six-week online group EFT treatment and underwent resting-state fMRI pre and post the intervention. A repeated measures MANOVA indicated significant differences in the levels of pain severity (â21%), pain interference (â26%), quality of life (+7%), somatic symptoms (â28%), depression (â13.5%), anxiety (â37.1%), happiness (+17%), and satisfaction with life (+8.8%) from pre- to post-test. Cohenâs effect sizes ranged from small (0.2) to large (0.75) values suggesting significance for the intervention. fMRI analysis showed post-EFT treatment significantly decreased connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (a pain modulating area) and bilateral grey matter areas in the posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus, both areas being related to modulating and catastrophizing of pain. There were no brain areas that showed significantly increased connectivity post-EFT treatment. Coupled with the psychological measures the findings support the effects of the EFT intervention in reducing chronic pain and its impacts. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P., Baumann, O., OâKeefe, T., & Bhuta, S. (2022). Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 101653. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101653
Direct link:Â https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388122001219?via%3Dihub
Pain, Range Of Motion, And Psychological Symptoms In A Population With Frozen Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study Of Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
Abstract
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) combines acupoint stimulation with elements of cognitive and exposure therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EFT for depression, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, and other psychological conditions. The current study assesses whether acupoint stimulation is an active ingredient or whether treatment effects are due to non-specific factors. Thirty-seven participants with âfrozen shoulderâ consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or one of two treatment groups. ROM, pain, and the breadth and depth of psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-minute treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received Clinical EFT, while the other received an identical cognitive/exposure protocol but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupoint stimulation. No significant improvement in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list. Participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated significant posttest improvement in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained gains for psychological symptoms (p < 0.001). Large EFT treatment effects were found, with a Cohenâs d = .9 for anxiety and pain, and d = 1.1 for depression. Though EFT showed a greater trend for improved ROM in most dimensions of movement, changes were non-significant for most measures in all groups. Reductions in psychological distress were associated with reduced pain as well as with improved ROM. The results are consistent with five earlier dismantling studies showing that acupoint stimulation is an active ingredient in EFT treatment. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that Clinical EFT is an efficacious evidence-based treatment for pain and psychological conditions.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., & Nelms, J. (2016). Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Archives of Scientific Psychology, 4(1), 38-48. doi:10.1037/arc0000028
Direct link:Â https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2016-39089-001.html
The Lived Experience Of Chronic Pain And The Impact Of Brief Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Group Therapy On Coping
Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with a range of physical, psychological, and social risk factors, and successful treatment aims to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life for patients. In order to explore the impact, challenges, and current experience of chronic pain sufferers, an anonymous online open-ended qualitative survey was developed and analyzed for manifest and latent content. This then informed a brief four-hour therapy session using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a brief cognitive intervention with a somatic component. The qualitative study highlighted issues sufferers had with employment, interpersonal relationships, and emotions. An overwhelming 82% discussed the stigma they experienced from health professionals not believing the extent of their pain, and only 4% indicated they received any pain relief from psychological treatment. Paired samples t-tests revealed a significant decrease in the severity (â12.04%, p = 0.044) and impact (â17.62%, p = 0.008) of participantsâ pain from pretest to posttest, and a significant improvement in their overall psychological distress from pretest to posttest (â36.67%, p < 0.001). There was also a significant improvement in participantsâ depression (â29.86%, p = 0.007), anxiety (â41.69%, p < 0.001), and stress (â38.48%, p = 0.001) from pretest to posttest. A significant association was found between pain and psychological distress. Finally, a significant overall main effect of time was found at six-monthsâ follow-up, although pairwise comparisons did not indicate any significant results across all time points. Findings are consistent with other research indicating the effectiveness of brief and group-delivered EFT and are discussed in terms of psychological treatment for chronic pain. Future research is proposed.
Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P., Chatwin, H., Sheppard, L., & McSwan, J. (2016). The lived experience of chronic pain and the impact of brief Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) group therapy on coping. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 8(2), 18â28.
Direct link:Â https://energypsychologyjournal.org/the-lived-experience-of-chronic-pain/
A Comparison Of Emotional Freedom TechniquesââInsomnia (EFT-I) And Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) In A Geriatric Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
This study evaluated two treatments for insomnia, Emotional Freedom TechniquesâInsomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE), in a geriatric population when delivered as group therapy. Participants (N = 20) were elderly women (mean age = 80 ± 4.75) with insomnia. They were randomized into two groups. One received SHE, and the other a form of EFT adapted for use with insomnia (EFT-I). The setting was a senior welfare center, and the interventions were delivered in a group format. Participants received eight 1-hour sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. They were assessed for insomnia severity, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction before and after treatment. Follow-ups occurred at 5 and 9 weeks posttest. Analysis revealed that EFT was superior to SHE for insomnia. The results were similar to those found in earlier studies evaluating EFT for insomnia. Neither the SHE nor the EFT group demonstrated significant improvement in anxiety or life satisfaction. We conclude that EFT is an effective evidence-based treatment for geriatric insomnia and depression. EFT is cost-effective, and efficacious when delivered in a group format.
Citation (APA Style): Lee, J. H., Chung, S. Y., & Kim, J. W. (2015). A comparison of Emotional Freedom TechniquesâInsomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) in a geriatric population: A randomized controlled trial. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 7(1), 1â8. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2015.07.01.JL
Reductions in Pain, Depression, and Anxiety After PTSD Symptom Remediation in Veterans
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial of veterans with clinical levels of PTSD symptoms found significant improvements after EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). While pain, depression, and anxiety were not the targets of treatment, significant improvements in these conditions were found. Subjects (N = 59) received six sessions of EFT coaching supplementary to primary care. They were assessed using the SA-45, which measures 9 mental health symptom domains, and also has 2 general scales measuring the breadth and depth of psychological distress. Anxiety and depression both reduced significantly, as did the breadth and depth of psychological symptoms. Pain decreased significantly during the intervention period (â 41%, p < .0001). Subjects were followed at 3 and 6 months, revealing significant relationships between PTSD, depression, and anxiety at several assessment points. At follow-up, pain remained significantly lower than pretest. The results of this study are consistent with other reports showing that, as PTSD symptoms are reduced, general mental health improves, and that EFT produces long-term gains for veterans after relatively brief interventions.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2014). Reductions in pain, depression, and anxiety after PTSD symptom remediation in veterans. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 10(3), 162â169.
Direct link:Â https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830714000330?via%3Dihub
Effects Of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) On The Reduction Of Chronic Pain In Adults: A Pilot Study
Abstract
This pilot study examined the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on pain reduction in adults with chronic pain. A brief exposure therapy that combines cognitive and somatic elements, EFT has previously been found to be effective in the treatment of a number of psychological conditions, including depression, anxiety, phobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Research into EFTâs effect on the treatment of physical pain and somatic complaints is less well established. In the present study, 50 adults with chronic pain participated in a 3-day workshop to learn how to use EFT. Pain was measured on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) immediately before and after treatment and at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups. Significant reductions were found on each of the PCS item scores (rumination, magnification, and helplessness) and on the PCS total score (-43%, p < .001). On the MPI, significant improvements were observed in pain severity, interference, life control, affective distress, and dysfunctional composite. At 6-month follow-up, reductions were maintained on the PCS (-42%, p < .001) but only on the life control item for the MPI. Findings suggest that EFT helps immediately reduce pain severity while also improving participantsâ ability to live with their pain. Although reductions in pain severity were observed at 1-month follow-up but not maintained in the long-term, participants continued to report an improved sense of control and ability to cope with their chronic pain. The results of this pilot study are consistent with the literature and suggest directions for further research.
Citation (APA Style): Ortner, N., Palmer-Hoffman, J., & Clond, M. A. (2014). Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on the reduction of chronic pain in adults: A pilot study. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 6(2), 14â21. doi:10.9769.EPJ.2014.6.2.NO
Effect Of The Emotional Freedom Technique On Perceived Stress, Quality Of Life, And Cortisol Salivary Levels In Tension-Type Headache Sufferers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Objective:Â To evaluate the short-term effects of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) on tension-type headache (TTH) sufferers.
Design:Â We used a parallel-group design, with participants randomly assigned to the emotional freedom intervention (n = 19) or a control arm (standard care n = 16).
Setting:Â The study was conducted at the outpatient Headache Clinic at the Korgialenio Benakio Hospital of Athens.
Participants:Â Thirty-five patients meeting criteria for frequent TTH according to International Headache Society guidelines were enrolled.
Intervention:Â Participants were instructed to use the EFT method twice a day for two months.
Outcome Measures:Â Study measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Short-Form questionnaire-36. Salivary cortisol levels and the frequency and intensity of headache episodes were also assessed.
Results:Â Within the treatment arm, perceived stress, scores for all Short-Form questionnaire-36 subscales, and the frequency and intensity of the headache episodes were all significantly reduced. No differences in cortisol levels were found in any group before and after the intervention.
Conclusions:Â EFT was reported to benefit patients with TTH. This randomized controlled trial shows promising results for not only the frequency and severity of headaches but also other lifestyle parameters.
Citation (APA Style): Bougea, A. M., Spandideas, N., Alexopoulos, E. C., Thomaides, T., Chrousos, G. P., & Darviri, C. (2013). Effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique on perceived stress, quality of life, and cortisol salivary levels in tension-type headache sufferers: A randomized controlled trial. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 9(2), 91-99. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2012.12.005
Direct link:Â https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830712002601?via%3Dihub
Psychological And Physiological Symptoms Of Psoriasis After Group EFT Treatment: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Background:Â The documented relationship between stress and psoriasis suggests that noninvasive means of stress reduction may improve quality of life in persons with psoriasis.
Objectives:Â The purpose of this study was to (a) educate persons with psoriasis in the use of the innovative, self-applied, noninvasive emotional healing intervention Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and (b) test its effects on psoriasis symptoms.
Method:Â A time series, within-subjects, repeated measures design was used. Persons with psoriasis (n = 12) were taught EFT in a 6-hr workshop and instructed to use EFT daily. Symptoms were measured using the Skindex-29 questionnaire. Psychological conditions were assessed using the Symptom Assessment-45 (SA-45), which has 9 subscales, and two general scales for the severity (GSI) and breadth (PST) of psychological distress. Participants were assessed pre-intervention, post intervention, and at 1 and 3 month follow-ups.
Results:Â Psychological symptom severity (GSI) improved post-workshop, demonstrating both clinical (raw score) and statistical significance (-56.43%, p=.043). Improvements (T score) (-50.67%, p=.002) were sustained at three 3-month follow-up (-50.54%, p=.001; -38.43%; p=.002). Symptom breadth (PST) also improved post-workshop clinically (-49.24%, p=.005), and that improvement was sustained over time (-46.93%, p=.019). Skindex-29 scores indicated improvements in emotional distress (-41.56%, p=.002), symptoms (49.05%; p=.001), and functioning (-58.31%; p=.001) post-workshop, with changes over time to -80.56% (p=<.001), -74.95% (p=<.001), and -89.99% (p=.001) respectively, and at 3 months. Differences by gender were found in psychological symptom severity and skin-related symptom distress.
Conclusion:Â Participants experienced significant improvement in functioning and psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms. Relief often was immediate and sustained, and improved over time. Highly significant findings from this small sample support the robust treatment effects found in other EFT research, and clinical trials of EFT for psoriasis and other chronic illnesses are warranted.
Citation (APA Style): Hodge, P. M., & Jurgens, C. Y. (2011). Psychological and physiological symptoms of psoriasis after group EFT treatment: A pilot study. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 3(2), 13-23.
Direct link:Â https://energypsychologyjournal.org/abstracts/abstracts-%E2%80%93-volume-3-number-2-november-2011/patricia-hodge/
A Preliminary Study For The Evaluation Of The Effects Of EFT For Insomnia In The Elderly
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EFT-I(EFT program for insomnia) for insomnia in the elderly as a preliminary study.
Methods: This study was a single group pre-post comparative study that involved 10 elderly women(mean age=), who visited a senior welfare center, complained of insomnia symptoms. Subjects received 8 sessions(twice a week for 4 weeks and 1 hour for each session) of EFT-I group training. Insomnia severity, depression, state-anxiety, and life satisfaction of each subject were evaluated twice at pre and post of EFT-I. Korean Sleep Scale, Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale(SGDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI), and life satisfaction scale were used as evaluation tools. The data were analyzed using paired-samples T-test.
Results: Insomnia severity, life satisfaction, depression, and state-anxiety were significantly improved by EFT-I.
Conclusions: Result of this study showed that EFT-I can be a useful treatment program for elderly insomnia. Larger clinical trials are needed to verify effect of EFT-I as a community based insomnia management program for the elderly.
Citation (APA Style): Lee, J-H, Suh, H-U, Chung, S-Y, & Kim, J-W. (2011). A preliminary study for the evaluation of the effects of EFT for insomnia in the elderly. Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, 22(4), 101-109.
Direct link:Â https://koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO201110348681118.page
The Effect of a Brief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Self-Intervention on Anxiety, Depression, Pain and Cravings in Healthcare Workers
Abstract
This study examined whether self-intervention with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a brief exposure therapy that combines a cognitive and a somatic element, had an effect on healthcare workersâ psychological distress symptoms. Participants were 216 attendees at 5 professional conferences. Psychological distress, as measured by the SA-45, and self-rated pain, emotional distress, and cravings were assessed before and after 2-hours of self-applied EFT, utilizing a within-subjects design. A 90-day follow-up was completed by 53% of the sample with 61% reporting using EFT subsequent to the workshop. Significant improvements were found on all distress subscales and ratings of pain, emotional distress, and cravings at post-test (all p<.001). Gains were maintained at follow-up for most SA-45 scales. The severity of psychological symptoms was reduced (-45%, p<.001) as well as the breadth (-40%, p<.001), with significant gains maintained at follow-up. Greater subsequent EFT use correlated with a greater decrease in symptom severity at follow-up (p<.034, r=.199), but not in breadth of symptoms (p<.0117, r=.148). EFT provided an immediate effect on psychological distress, pain, and cravings that was replicated across multiple conferences and healthcare provider samples.
Citation (APA Style): Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2010). The effect of a brief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) self-intervention on anxiety, depression, pain and cravings in healthcare workers. Integrative Medicine: A Clinicianâs Journal, 9(5), 40-44.
Direct link:Â https://s3.amazonaws.com/eft-academic-articles/HealthCare.pdf
Self-Administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) In Individuals With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Trial
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine if self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) leads to reduced pain perception, increased acceptance, coping ability and health-related quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia. 86 women, diagnosed with fibromyalgia and on sick leave for at least 3 months, were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a waiting list group. An eight-week EFT treatment program was administered via the Internet.
Upon completion of the program, statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group (n=26) in comparison with the waiting list group (n=36) for variables such as pain, anxiety, depression, vitality, social function, mental health, performance problems involving work or other activities due to physical as well as emotional reasons, and stress symptoms. Pain catastrophizing measures, such as rumination, magnification and helplessness, were significantly reduced, and the activity level was significantly increased. The number needed to treat (NNT) regarding recovering from anxiety was 3. NNT for depression was 4.
Self-administered EFT seems to be a good complement to other treatments and rehabilitation programs. The sample size was small and the dropout rate was high. Therefore the surprisingly good results have to be interpreted with caution. However, it would be of interest to further study this simple and easily accessible self-administered treatment method, which can even be taught over the Internet.
Citation (APA Style): Brattberg, G. (2008). Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized trial. Integrative Medicine: A Clinicianâs Journal, 7(4), 30-35.
Direct link:Â https://varkstaden.se/pdf_filer/EFT_article.pdf
Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Psychological and Physiological Conditions: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background:Â 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 âevidence-basedâ 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:Â 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:Â 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 âmoderateâ to âlarge.â 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:Â 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:Â https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques for Chronic Pain: Live Versus Self-Paced Delivery with 6-Month Follow-Up
Abstract
Background
Chronic pain represents a major global healthcare crisis, and current treatments are limited in effectiveness and safety. Emotional freedom techniques (EFTs) show promise as a potential psychological treatment.
Methods
The current study investigated the effect of a randomized clinical trial of EFT for chronic pain in a sample of 147 adult chronic pain sufferers (89.9% female; mean 54.63âyears). Participants engaged in a 6-week EFT programme (either online self-paced or in-person).
Results
The per-protocol analysis indicated pain severity and interference scores were significantly lower at the end of treatment for the EFT group compared to waitlist, and these were sustained at follow-up. There were no differences between the in-person or self-paced programmes at follow-up for pain severity and interference. Somatic symptoms were significantly lower after EFT, although no further differences at follow-up. Quality of life scores were significantly higher after EFT, which were sustained at follow-up, and no differences between two styles of programme. No significant effects were found for anxiety, depression, happiness or satisfaction with life across the 6-week programmes for either style of delivery or at follow-up. These are discussed in terms of clinical score meanings. Intent-to-treat analysis was consistent with the per-protocol analyses. Limitations of the study are identified and future directions are discussed.
Conclusions
Findings offer early promise for EFT as a potentially effective pain management strategy, as well as support for online intervention without compromising treatment outcomes.
Citation (APA Style):Â Stapleton, P., Wilson, C., Uechtritz, N., Stewart, M., McCosker, M., OâKeefe, T., & Blanchard, M. (2024). A randomized clinical trial of emotional freedom techniques for chronic pain: Live versus self-paced delivery with 6-month follow-up. European Journal of Pain, 00, 1â14. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.4740
Direct link:Â https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.4740