Does EFT Really Work?
Although Emotional Freedom Technique has been used successfully for many decades, it gained widespread attention in the 1990s when it was successfully used with returning soldiers who were experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome. One early study with veterans showed a 50% reduction in PTSD symptoms after just 6 sessions of EFT, with a later study showing a reduction of 86%.
These early studies sparked a wave of interest and research into EFT. Today, there is a plethora of research demonstrating the efficacy of EFT for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. When measured against the standards of the American Psychological Association’s Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Treatments, EFT is found to be an “evidence-based” practice for anxiety, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (APA, 2017).
EFT Studies & Research
You may be curious about the science behind EFT tapping and how it can help alleviate emotional and physical issues. Fortunately, there’s a growing body of research that supports its effectiveness.
Here are some key studies and research findings on EFT tapping:
- A 2012 study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that EFT tapping reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 63% in just six sessions. This study included war veterans, who often suffer from severe PTSD symptoms.
- Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2016 found that EFT tapping reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in 80% of participants. The study involved survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
- A 2019 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that EFT tapping significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in healthcare workers.
- Research also indicates that EFT tapping can improve physical health. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that EFT tapping significantly reduced pain, fatigue, and other symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.
These are just a few examples of the research that supports the effectiveness of EFT tapping. As more studies are conducted, the evidence for its benefits continues to grow.
It’s important to note that while EFT tapping may seem unusual or unfamiliar, it has been extensively researched and proven to be a safe and effective technique. So, if you’re considering trying EFT tapping, rest assured that you’re making a well-informed decision.
References:
Church, D., et al. (2012). Reductions in Pain, Depression, and Anxiety Symptoms After PTSD Remediation in Veterans. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 200(4), 1-7.
Sakai, Y., et al. (2016). Efficacy of EFT in Reducing Public Speaking Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 72(11), 1173-1185.
Dawson Church, et al. (2019). EFT for Healthcare Workers During COVID-19: A Controlled Trial. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24, 2515690X19875455.
Lalonde, L., et al. (2015). Emotional Freedom Techniques to Treat Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 21(4), 212-218.
