EFT Research Paper
Psychological Symptom Change in Veterans After Six Sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
Iraq and Vietnam War Veterans Show Improvements After 6 EFT Sessions
Citation: Church, D., Geronilla, L., Dinter, I. (2009). Psychological symptom change in veterans after six sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): an observational study. International Journal of Healing and Caring, January, 9.1. Click here for Abstract and Full Paper http://goo.gl/jyW5lT
Abstract
Protocols to treat veterans with brief courses of therapy are required, in light of the large numbers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other psychological problems. This observational study examined the effects of six sessions of EFT on seven veterans, using a within-subjects, time-series, repeated measures design. Participants were assessed using a well-validated instrument, the SA-45, which has general scales measuring the depth and severity of psychological symptoms. It also contains subscales for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobic anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia, psychosis, and somatization. Participants were assessed before and after treatment, and again after 90 days. Interventions were done by two different practitioners using a standardized form of EFT to address traumatic combat memories. Symptom severity decreased significantly by 40% (p<.001), anxiety decreased 46% (p<.001), depression 49% (p<.001), and PTSD 50% (p<.016). These gains were maintained at the 90-day follow-up.3
Editor’s Note
7 veterans including 3 males and 4 females who served in Iraq and Vietnam, were treated for 6 sessions with EFT. Sessions were provided by either a licensed psychologist or coach and delivered either in person or over the telephone and addressed traumatic combat memories and their progress was monitored using SA-45 questionnaires pre, post and at 90 day follow-up. Symptom severity decreased significantly by 40%, anxiety decreased 46%, depression 49%, and PTSD 50% and the gains were maintained at the 90-day follow-up.