Citation (APA Style): Steel, J. M. (2016). Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) for reducing stress and increasing self-esteem: A self-study. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 8(1), 67-76. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2016.8.1.JMS
Abstract
While there is a great deal of research into various Energy Psychology methods, the subjective experience of the client has not yet been investigated. In this self-study, the TAT Protocol for Stressful Events was used for 10 sessions over a period of 3 weeks to explore whether TAT would be an effective tool for managing stress and increasing feelings of self-worth. The Sorensen Self-Esteem Test was used as a baseline self-esteem pre and post-test to measure self-worth, positive and negative emotional states. A list of 10 free association words was collected before and after each treatment session and at the end of the treatment period. Quantitative analysis showed an increase in overall sense of self-worth and an increase in positive states. Negative and positive states varied throughout the treatment period while self-worth increased, suggesting that TAT© enabled increased emotional self-regulation when dealing with stressful situations. Scores on the Sorensen Self-Esteem test improved by 28% on follow up. A qualitative analysis of the free association words suggests an increase in feelings of balance and calm and a decrease of negative self-image.
Keywords: TAT, Tapas Acupressure Technique, energy psychology, protocol for stressful events, self-esteem, Sorensen Self-Esteem Test, stress management, stress reduction
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