EFT Research Paper
Potential of emotional freedom techniques to improve mood and quality of life in older adults
Citation: Harbottle, L., Potential of emotional freedom techniques to improve mood and quality of life in older adults | British Journal of Community Nursing, vol. 24, No. 9, published online 9/7/2019 https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.9.432
Abstract: Emotional freedom techniques (EFTs) are an innovative combined somatic and cognitive therapy. Derived from key principles within traditional Chinese medicine, they incorporate elements of exposure, cognitive and other conventional psychotherapies. Increasing evidence suggests that EFTs are effective in treating various physical and psychological conditions and across several population groups. Studies indicate that the somatic component is essential to its ease of use, rapid effect and durability of results. EFTs can be used as self-help tools or applied therapeutically in groups or individually. There is a lack of research specifically examining its applicability to older adults, but a ground-breaking project with nurses in France suggests that EFTs may offer significant potential to moderate pain and stress levels and to improve mood, interaction and quality of life among this group, including those with multiple and complex comorbidities.
Craig’s Comments: At this time I can only comment on the abstract without yet having the full paper. It is encouraging to see publication of this article in a nursing journal as well as to see evidence of exploration of the use of EFT in an important demographic of older adults for which there is limited study. Though at least one other published study has explored the use of EFT for insomnia in this population.