Research evidence for efficacy of EFT and related therapies is only beginning to emerge. A selection of abstracts for papers published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences can be found below. Whereas there are very few studies focussing specifically on EFT in addiction treatment, much of the evidence so far relates to the efficacy in treatment of psychological trauma, fears and anxieties, which are all known to be significant factors in relapse and are thus highly relevant to addiction treatment. If your organisation is interested in participating in a research study on EFT for addictions, please contact us.
The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Psychological Symptoms in Addiction Treatment
Church, D. (2008e). The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Psychological Symptoms in Addiction Treatment. Presented at Science and Consciousness, the Tenth Annual Energy Psychology Conference, Toronto, Oct 24.
Abstract
Research has noted frequent co-occurrence of psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression with addiction. This study examined the psychological conditions of 28 adults at an addictions workshop at which participants learned EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), a widely practiced form of energy psychology. Subjects were evaluated using a short form of the SCL-90-R, (the SA-45), a 45 item questionnaire that has been well validated in other studies. As well as measuring the intensity and breadth of symptoms on two global scales, the SA-45 has nine subscales for such conditions such as anxiety, depression, and hostility. The study employed a time-series, within-subjects repeated measures design to evaluate symptoms at the start of the workshop, at the end of the workshop, and, to determine long-term effects, 90 days later. A statistically significant decrease in the two global scales, the global severity index and positive symptom total, as well as the anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptom scales was observed with gains maintained at follow-up. Improvement in somatization was found at posttest only, while improvement in interpersonal sensitivity occurred at the 90-day follow-up. These findings suggest EFT may be an effective adjunct to addiction treatment by reducing the severity of general psychological distress, and in particular, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. This study is limited by the small sample size, lack of a control group, and exploratory nature.
The effects of EFT on long-term psychological symptoms
Rowe, J. (2005). The effects of EFT on long-term psychological symptoms. Counseling and Clinical Psychology Journal, 2(3):104.
Abstract
Previous research (Salas, 2000; Wells, et al., 2003), theoretical writings (Arenson, 2001, Callahan, 1985, Durlacher, 1994, Flint, 1999, Gallo, 2002, Hover-Kramer, 2002, Lake & Wells, 2003, Lambrou & Pratt, 2000, and Rowe, 2003), and many case reports (www.emofree.com) have suggested that energy psychology is an effective psychotherapy treatment that improves psychological functioning. The purpose of the present study was to measure any changes in psychological functioning that might result from participation in an experiential Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) workshop and to examine the long-term effects. Using a time-series, within-subjects repeated measures design, 102 participants were tested with a short-form of the SCL-90-R (SA-45) 1 month before, at the beginning of the workshop, at the end of the workshop, 1 month after the workshop, and 6 months after the workshop. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < .0005) in all measures of psychological distress as measured by the SA-45 from pre-workshop to post-workshop which held up at the 6 month follow-up.
The Treatment of Combat Trauma in Veterans Using EFT
Church, D. (2009). The Treatment of Combat Trauma in Veterans using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A Pilot Protocol. Traumatology, March 15:1.
Abstract
With a large number of US military service personnel coming back from Iraq with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a variety of associated psychological problems, a need exists to find protocols and treatments that are effective for these conditions in brief treatment timeframes. In this study, a sample of 11 veterans and family members were assessed for PTSD and other conditions. Evaluations were made using standard psychological evaluations, the SA-45 (Symptom Assessment 45) and the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Military). The study used a time-series, within-subjects, repeated measures design. A baseline measurement was obtained thirty days prior to treatment, and immediately before treatment began. Subjects were then treated with a brief and novel exposure therapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), for five days with 2 to 3 hours of treatment per day. Statistically significant improvements in the SA-45 and PCL-M scores were found at posttest. These gains were maintained at both the 30- and 90-day follow-ups on the general symptom index, positive symptom total and the anxiety, somatization, phobic anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity subscales of the SA-45, and on PTSD. The remaining SA-45 scales improved posttest but were not consistently maintained at the 30- and 90-day follow-ups. In summary, after EFT treatment, the group no longer scored positive for PTSD, the severity and breadth of their psychological distress decreased significantly, and most of their gains held over time. This suggests that EFT can be an effective post-deployment intervention.
Veterans: Finding their way home with EFT - an observational study
Dinter, I. (2008). Veterans: Finding their way home with EFT. International Journal of Healing and Caring, September 8:3.
Abstract
Helping Veterans heal from the trauma of war has been a journey into a spiritual place that I might not have been able to reach otherwise. I am filled with gratitude for every soldier who has allowed me to get an insight into his or her world. These are my most amazing mentors who are giving me their loving trust and support to continue this journey. As a life coach, specializing in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), I have been blessed and honored to help many Veterans heal from their trauma of war. I have worked with US Marines who, even after 40 years, still can’t find forgiveness for what happened in Vietnam. I have helped Veterans from most recent wars who have relived their nightmares of horror, overwhelm and danger every night. EFT4Vets, the training program for practitioners I have developed, understands PTSD symptoms as symptoms of the soul. It offers an integrated program for practitioners that will enable the EFT coach to assist the Veterans on the physical, mental, emotional, relational and soul levels. This program honors the transformational effect that using EFT for helping Veterans to release PTSD symptoms can have on the practitioner as well as the Veteran. Building rapport and trust between the practitioner and the client before the work together begins is an integral part of the training, and so is the thorough teaching of specific applications and techniques of EFT for Veterans through presentation, demonstration and practice.
Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: a randomized trial
Brattberg, G. (2008). Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: a randomized trial. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, August/September.
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.
Evaluation of a Meridian-Based Intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for Reducing Specific Phobias of Small Animals
Wells, S., Polglase, K., Andrews, H. B., Carrington, P. & Baker, A. H. (2003). Evaluation of a meridian-based intervention, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59:9, 943-966.
Energy psychology in disaster relief
Feinstein, D. (2008b) Energy psychology in disaster relief. Traumatology, 141:1, 124-137.
Abstract
Energy psychology utilizes cognitive operations such as imaginal exposure to traumatic memories or visualization of optimal performance scenarios—combined with physical interventions derived from acupuncture, yoga, and related systems—for inducing psychological change. While a controversial approach, this combination purportedly brings about, with unusual speed and precision, therapeutic shifts in affective, cognitive, and behavioral patterns that underlie a range of psychological concerns. Energy psychology has been applied in the wake of natural and human-made disasters in the Congo, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldavia, Nairobi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, and the U.S. At least three international humanitarian relief organizations have adapted energy psychology as a treatment in their post-disaster missions. Four tiers of energy psychology interventions include 1) immediate relief/stabilization, 2) extinguishing conditioned responses, 3) overcoming complex psychological problems, and 4) promoting optimal functioning. The first tier is most pertinent in psychological first aid immediately following a disaster, with the subsequent tiers progressively being introduced over time with complex stress reactions and chronic disorders. This paper reviews the approach, considers its viability, and offers a framework for applying energy psychology in treating disaster survivors.
Energy Psychology: a review of the preliminary evidence
Feinstein, D. (2008a). Energy psychology: a review of the preliminary evidence. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training. 45(2), 199-213.
Abstract
Energy psychology utilizes imaginal and narrative-generated exposure, paired with interventions that reduce hyperarousal through acupressure and related techniques. According to practitioners, this leads to treatment outcomes that are more rapid, powerful, and precise than the strategies used in other exposure-based treatments such as relaxation or diaphragmatic breathing. The method has been exceedingly controversial. It relies on unfamiliar procedures adapted from non- Western cultures, posits unverified mechanisms of action, and early claims of unusual speed and therapeutic power ran far ahead of initial empirical support. This paper reviews a hierarchy of evidence regarding the efficacy of energy psychology, from anecdotal reports to randomized clinical trials. Although the evidence is still preliminary, energy psychology has reached the minimum threshold for being designated as an evidence-based treatment, with one form having met the APA Division 12 criteria as a “probably efficacious treatment” for specific phobias; another for maintaining weight loss. The limited scientific evidence, combined with extensive clinical reports, suggests that energy psychology holds promise as a rapid and potent treatment for a range of psychological conditions. Full text of the article is available here.
Pilot Study of EFT, WHEE and CBT for Treatment of Test Anxiety in University Students
Benor, D. J., Ledger, K., Toussaint, L., Hett, G., & Zaccaro, D. (2008). Pilot study of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Wholistic Hybrid derived from EMDR and EFT (WHEE) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Treatment of Test Anxiety in University Students. Abstract presented at the Tenth Annual Toronto Energy Psychology Conference, October 25.
Abstract
Objective: This study explored test anxiety benefits of Wholistic Hybrid derived from EMDR (WHEE), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Participants: Canadian university students with severe or moderate test anxiety participated.
Methods: A double-blind, controlled trial of WHEE (n = 5), EFT (n =5), and CBT (n = 5) was conducted. Standardized anxiety measures included: the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-21).
Results: Despite small sample size, significant reductions on the TAI and HSCL-21 were found for WHEE; on the TAI for EFT; and on the HSCL-21 for CBT. There were no significant differences between the scores for the three treatments. In only two sessions WHEE and EFT achieved the equivalent benefits to those achieved by CBT in five sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with all treatments. EFT and WHEE students successfully transferred their self-treatment skills to other stressful areas of their lives.
Conclusions: WHEE and EFT show promise as effective treatments for test anxiety.
The Effect of a Brief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Self-Intervention on Anxiety, Depression, Pain and Cravings in Healthcare Workers
Church, D. (2008a). The effect of a brief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) self-intervention on anxiety, depression, pain and cravings in healthcare workers. Presented at Science and Consciousness, the Tenth Annual Energy Psychology Conference, Toronto, Oct 24.