Citation (APA style): Rizzo, A., Laachi, S., Ait Ali, D., Khabbache, H., Güler Öztekin, G., Aksoy, S., Alkhulayfi, A. M. A., Yıldırım, M., & Chirico, F. (2025). The efficacy of emotional freedom techniques and tapping in reducing job stress and burnout: A review of research. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 29(6), 782-799. doi:10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0078
Although emotional freedom techniques (EFT) have shown efficacy in treating various psychological conditions, their application to occupational stress remains underexplored. This paper aims to investigate the potential of EFT tapping as an intervention for managing job stress and preventing burnout in workplace environments. Traditional interventions often emphasize cognitive or organizational solutions, but EFT provides a novel approach by simultaneously addressing both emotional and physiological stress responses.
This review scrutinized studies sourced from databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline and the CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that measure the impact of EFT on job stress and job burnout. Studies were selected based on their relevance to EFT applications in occupational settings, with a focus on research design, intervention protocols and outcome measures.
Findings from studies conducted across health care, education and corporate settings demonstrated EFT’s capacity to alleviate job-related psychological distress and improve overall well-being. It was found that EFT’s dual mechanism, which combines cognitive reframing with somatic stimulation, acts as a more comprehensive framework for stress relief compared to conventional methods. This analysis identified key patterns and limitations in the existing body of research, such as small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data and a lack of long-term follow-up assessments. These limitations highlight the need for more rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials and neurobiological investigations, to strengthen the evidence base and understand the mechanisms through which EFT exerts its effects. The effectiveness of the interventions supports the integration of EFT into broader organizational wellness programs.
Findings suggest that combining EFT with initiatives like workload management and social support enhancements means creating holistic strategies that promote employee well-being and resilience. Future studies should consider the way for more effective, adaptable workplace interventions that support the mental and emotional health of diverse professional groups.
Burnout, job stress, EFT, emotional freedom techniques, tapping
