Effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques with a recreational plastic expression program in posttraumatic stress of school age children boarded for abuse-related trauma

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.