The Challenges and Opportunities of Introducing Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Following the Haiti Earthquake

April 7, 2015 PTSD, Trauma

EFT After an Earthquake Reduces PTSD Symptoms an Average of 72%

Citation: Robson, P. & Robson, H. (2012). The Challenges and Opportunities of Introducing Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Following the Haiti Earthquake. Energy Psychology Journal, 4(1). doi: 10.9769/EPJ.2012.4.1.PR Click here to view Abstract http://goo.gl/WPRRaE

Abstract

Seventy-seven male Haïtian seminarians following the 2010 earthquake were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Forty-eight (62%) exhibited scores in the clinical range (>49). The mean score of the entire sample was 54. Participants received 2 days of instruction in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Following the EFT training, 0% of participants scored in the clinical range on the PCL. A paired t-test analysis of the pre–post PCL scores indicated a statistically significant decrease (p < .001), to a mean of 27 at the post-test. Post-test PCL scores decreased an average of 72%, ranging between a 21% reduction to a 100% reduction in symptom severity. These results are consistent with other published reports of EFT’s efficacy in treating PTSD symptoms in traumatized populations, such as war veterans and genocide survivors.

Editor’s Note

77 Haitians were evaluated for PTSD following the 2010 earthquake and 62% exhibited PTSD clinical scores. After 2 days of EFT instruction for those 48 individuals, that percentage was reduced to 0% scoring in the clinical range according to the PCL PTSD checklist. Symptom reduction ranged from 21% to 100% with an average decrease of 72%. This again indicates EFT’s effectiveness in working with post-traumatically effected individuals and communities.