Citation:

Wells, S., Polglase, K., Andrews, H.B., Carrington, P. and Baker, A.H.  Evaluation of a Meridian-Based intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals.  Journal of Clinical Psychology (in press).

Abstract

This study explored whether a meridian-based procedure, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), can reduce specific phobias of small animals under laboratory-controlled conditions.  Randomly assigned participants were treated individually for 30 minutes with EFT (n = 18) or a comparison condition, Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB) (n = 17).  ANOVAS revealed that EFT produced significantly greater improvement than did DB behaviorally and on three self-report measures, but not on pulse rate.  The greater improvement for EFT was maintained, and possibly enhanced, at 6 - 9 months follow-up on the behavioral measure.  These findings suggest that a single treatment session using EFT to reduce specific phobias can produce valid behavioral and subjective effects.  Some limitations of the study are also noted and clarifying research suggested.

CITATION:
 

Wells, S., Polglase, K., Andrews, H.B., Carrington, P. and Baker, A.H.  Evaluation of a Meridian-Based intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals. Journal of Clinical Psychology (in press).

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