Research Studies on EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique

The following is a summary of some of the studies performed to test the effectiveness of EFT...

EFT for Fear of Insects and Small Animals

Steve Wells and his associates studied 2 groups, one using EFT and the other using deep breathing, to address their fear of small animals and insects. Both groups showed a decrease in their fear of insects and small animals, but the EFT group showed significantly more improvement.

The study participants learned either EFT or a deep breathing method and reported their fear levels after treatment and then again 6 and 9 months later. The EFT results continued to last over the entire test period.

Wells, S., Polglase, K., Andrews, H.B., Carrington, P., & Baker, A.H. (2003). Evaluation of a Meridian Based Intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for Reducing Specific Phobias of Small Animals. Journal of Clinical Psychology, Vol. 59(9), 943-966


EFT for Anxiety about Dental Visits

In his study of 30 dental patients, Graham Temple. Each of the patients had up to 6 minutes of EFT prior to dental treatment. All of the patients reported reduced anxiety after EFT, and many had substantial decreases in anxiety.

Temple reported his findings to the EFT community on the emofree.com website.


EFT for Auto Accident Victims PTSD

In 2001, Dr Paul Single and colleagues reported that car accident victims experienced reduced symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder using EFT. The accident victims learned how to do EFT in two sessions then reported their condition 3 months later. Measurements in brain wave activity also improved during the 3 months.

Swingle, P., Pulos, L., & Swingle, M. (May, 2000). Effects of a meridian-based therapy, EFT, on symptoms of PTSD in auto accident victims. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, Las Vegas, NV.


EFT for Seizures in Children

In 2000, Dr Swingle reported success using EFT to reduce epileptic seizures in young children. Parents tapped on their children when they suspected a seizure was going to happen. The children experienced fewer seizures and improved EEG (electroencephalogram, which measures the brain's electrical activity) test results after 2 weeks of daily EFT.

Swingle, P. (May, 2000). Effects of the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) method on seizure frequency in children diagnosed with epilepsy. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, Las Vegas, NV.