We present an experimentally controlled, randomized study with pre- and post-intervention assessments, conducted with 47 children placed in four different shelters due to abuse-related trauma. A graded assessment scale based on DSM-5 criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was utilized. The program included six sessions implementing Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in combination with recreational plastic expression activities. Plastic expression was particularly appropriate given the children’s underdeveloped verbal skills and PTSD-related hypoactivation of speech areas, and it facilitated the safe, group-based processing of memories. The recreational component provided emotional comfort, which in turn helped reduce avoidance behaviors commonly present in PTSD. EFT led to a rapid reduction in distress responses and contributed to the immediate processing of traumatic memories. Overall, the program significantly reduced PTSD severity, facilitated the acquisition of effective coping strategies, and supported the development of a future-oriented personal life perspective.

Background: Insomnia is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life, daily functioning, and academic success of university students. This study aims to investigate the effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on sleep quality and fatigue in young people with sleep problems.

Materials and methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 64 students were included in the study and divided into two groups. There were 32 participants in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The intervention group received two EFT sessions with a four-week interval, while no interventions were applied to the control group. Data were collected using a questionnaire form that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: In the intervention group that received EFT, significant differences were found compared to the control group in terms of Insomnia Severity (t = 6.732, p = 0.001), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (t = 2.16, p = 0.034), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (t = 3.934, p = 0.001) scores. However, no significant difference was found in Fatigue Severity Scale scores (t = 0.910, p = 0.366). Nevertheless, the expected fatigue levels were maintained.

Conclusion: According to the results, the application of EFT to young individuals with insomnia reduces insomnia and sleepiness issues and improves sleep quality.

Energy psychology, particularly emotional freedom techniques (EFT), has gained attention as a non-pharmacological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of EFT in alleviating PTSD symptoms. This meta-analysis follows PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Airiti Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies published before December 31, 2024. The meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 621 patients. Our findings showed that EFT significantly improved PTSD symptoms compared to the baseline (standardized mean difference [SMD]: − 0.901; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: − 1.130– − 0.671; Hedge’s g: −0.865) and was more effective than the control group (SMD: − 2.106; 95% CI: − 2.759– − 1.452; Hedge’s g: −2.062). Furthermore, anxiety (SMD: − 0.591; 95% CI: − 0.726– − 0.456; Hedge’s g: −0.567) and depression (SMD: − 0.516; 95% CI: − 0.654– − 0.377; Hedge’s g: −0.495) scores decreased significantly compared to the baseline. Notably, these treatment effects were sustained for up to three months for PTSD severity (SMD: − 0.757; 95% CI: − 0.967– − 0.547; Hedge’s g: −0.723), anxiety (SMD: − 0.522; 95% CI: − 0.683– − 0.361; Hedge’s g: −0.498), and depression (SMD: − 0.420; 95% CI: − 0.542– − 0.298; Hedge’s g: −0.402). The subgroup analysis of veterans revealed that EFT effectively reduced PTSD symptoms (SMD: − 1.159; 95% CI: − 1.441– − 0.877; Hedge’s g: −1.102), anxiety (SMD: − 0.715; 95% CI: − 0.943– − 0.487; Hedge’s g: -0.676), and depression (SMD: − 0.627; 95% CI: − 0.803– − 0.451; Hedge’s g: −0.597). EFT effectively treated PTSD and reduced comorbid symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, its therapeutic effect could be applied in veteran populations and sustained for up to three months.