Objective: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a self-healing method that combines Eastern meridian acupuncture and Western psychology. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of EFT in reducing anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief symptoms in people with cancer.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, including Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CBM, WeiPu, CNKI, and WanFang, up to May 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on EFT’s effects on psychological symptoms and well-being in people with cancer. Eligible RCTs were screened, quality-assessed, and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results: From 1026 articles, ten RCTs met the inclusion criteria, involving 774 patients (388 in the EFT group and 386 in the control group). EFT reduced symptoms of depression (MD=-7.41, 95% CI [-9.32, -5.51], p < .001) and anxiety (MD=-7.92, 95% CI [-11.01, -4.83], p < .001). For anticipatory grief, EFT improved symptoms related to sadness, anger, death attitude, somatic symptoms, religious comfort, and perceived social support, but did not affect disease adjustment, self-awareness, or psychological distress. EFT also improved sleep quality (MD =-1.96, 95% CI [-2.80, -1.13], p< .001).

Conclusion: EFT significantly alleviates anxiety, depression, and certain aspects of anticipatory grief, as well as sleep issues in people with cancer, though it shows limited efficacy in psychological distress, disease adjustment, and self-awareness. Further research should standardize outcomes to verify EFT’s comprehensive benefits.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the application of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) within the educational context. The research employed a literature review methodology. The data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Cross-checking sources, repeated review of the literature, and careful consideration of advisory comments were conducted to maintain the rigor of the assessment process and to prevent and address misinformation. The results of this study indicate the following: (1) Based on the review of 20 journal articles, counselling applications of Emotional Freedom Technique were found to address various problems; (2) the implementation of EFT typically begins with problem identification, followed by the Setup, Tune-In, and tapping procedures, including the nine-gamut sequence; (3) the objectives of applying EFT were primarily within educational settings, particularly secondary schools and universities, with individuals or groups of school-aged participants as the main targets; (4) future research is recommended to implement EFT across different settings, methods, and objectives.

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.

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.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the application of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) within the educational context. The research employed a literature review methodology. The data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Cross-checking sources, repeated review of the literature, and careful consideration of advisory comments were conducted to maintain the rigor of the assessment process and to prevent and address misinformation. The results of this study indicate the following: (1) Based on the review of 20 journal articles, counselling applications of Emotional Freedom Technique were found to address various problems; (2) the implementation of EFT typically begins with problem identification, followed by the Setup, Tune-In, and tapping procedures, including the nine-gamut sequence; (3) the objectives of applying EFT were primarily within educational settings, particularly secondary schools and universities, with individuals or groups of school-aged participants as the main targets; (4) future research is recommended to implement EFT across different settings, methods, and objectives.

Children and adolescents can often benefit from nonpharmacological interventions for psychocutaneous disorders with minimal, if any, side effects. Interventions may include acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, brief dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) methods, energy acupressure techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, music, placebo, and suggestion. Age-appropriate modifications allow these interventions to be tailored to individual patients. Incorporating age-appropriate elements of fun and storytelling often motivates patients to cooperate. Biofeedback can often incorporate a video- or audio-based, game-like approach to engage the patient. CBT must also be age-appropriate, typically beginning at around 8 years of age, and can incorporate storytelling in addition to direct discussion. EFT can be used with pediatric patients, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, while EFT can be taught to elementary school–aged and adolescent patients. EMDR can be used with older preschoolers, elementary school–aged, and adolescent patients. Hypnoidal techniques, such as rocking, can be used with infants and toddlers. Older preschoolers and elementary school–aged patients generally shift into imaginative trance quite easily, with a peak of hypnotizability between 8 and 12 years of age. Elementary school–aged and adolescent patients can also be taught self-hypnosis. For individuals with low hypnotizability, distraction is likely to be the key element, while for those with moderate hypnotizability, sensory or time distortion may be key; dissociation or fantasy will predominate for highly hypnotizable individuals. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting experiences as they are and may help reduce stress. Music can help calm anxious children. Placebo interventions may be used when age-appropriate and ethically justified. Carefully phrased suggestions can benefit older preschoolers, elementary school–aged, and adolescent patients.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an alternative therapeutic intervention that involves the use of acupressure tapping in combination with cognitive rehearsal. An increasing body of research has been published in recent years regarding EFT as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reporting consistently positive treatment outcomes. The current study utilized the PEDro scale, a standardized checklist designed to assess key components of study quality, to analyze the existing body of literature with respect to study design quality. Results indicated a general lack of internal validity in many of the current outcome studies on EFT. Studies often lacked sufficient randomization and adequate levels of blinding. A comparative analysis was conducted between studies with higher and lower compliance with PEDro criteria to assess potential differences in reported treatment effects. No apparent differences were observed, with strong treatment outcomes reported across both groups, indicating that robust treatment effects are claimed in both well-designed and poorly designed studies. These findings call into question the reliability of conclusions drawn from the current literature. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Combining counselling with animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) proved to be highly effective for Emily, and within seven sessions, her separation anxiety appeared to have resolved completely. She was able to fall asleep independently in her own bed, slept through the night, and attended school without incident. Interestingly, as Emily’s condition improved, her friend Sarah began to share more openly about her feelings regarding the loss of her mother, suggesting that Emily was now emotionally available to provide support. Rather than becoming upset or frightened—as her parents had previously feared—Emily demonstrated a return to her former role as an understanding and supportive friend, similar to her behavior before Sarah’s mother’s death. Emily reported feeling pleased to have overcome her fears and to feel “normal” again. At a three-month follow-up appointment, Emily showed no signs of relapse and had been able to stay overnight with friends on two separate occasions while her parents were away.