Research on EFT in Cancer Studies

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on sleep quality and happiness of women who underwent breast cancer surgery and lived in military and nonmilitary families.

Design and methods: The patients were randomly divided into four groups of military intervention (n = 34), nonmilitary intervention (n = 33), military control (n = 31), and nonmilitary control (n = 35). Data were collected using demographic information form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire.

Findings: The mean scores of sleep quality and happiness in military and nonmilitary intervention groups improved significantly immediately and 1 month after the intervention compared to control groups (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the military and nonmilitary intervention groups regarding the mean scores of sleep quality and happiness before, immediately, and 1 month after the intervention (p > 0.05).

Practice implications: Given the efficacy of EFT in improving sleep quality and happiness, it is recommended that this technique be taught to nurses to implement in the entire process of providing nursing care to cancer patients.

Citation (APA Style): Kalroozi, F., Moradi, M., Ghaedi-Heidari, F., Marzban, A., & Raeisi-Ardali, S. R. (2022). Comparing the effect of emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and happiness of women undergoing breast cancer surgery in military and nonmilitary families: A quasi-experimental multicenter study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 2986–2997. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.13150

Direct link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppc.13150

Introduction

Advances in biomedical care for cancer have not been matched by achievements in providing high-quality care for the psychological and social effects of cancer. Numerous cancer survivors and their caregivers report that cancer care providers did not understand their psychosocial needs, failed to recognize and adequately address depression and other symptoms of stress, were unaware of or did not refer them to available resources, and generally did not consider psychosocial support to be an integral part of quality cancer care. The Cancer Council (Australia) suggests nearly 50 percent of cancer patients are not offered help for emotional distress and up to one in five cancer patients are never asked about their emotional wellbeing at their hospital appointments.

Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P. (2021, June 23). Preliminary support for emotional freedom techniques as a support for cancer patients. Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine. https://www.faim.org/preliminary-support-for-emotional-freedom-techniques-as-a-support-for-cancer-patients

Direct link: https://www.faim.org/preliminary-support-for-emotional-freedom-techniques-as-a-support-for-cancer-patients

Abstract

Methods: In this prospective multicentre randomised wait-list controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02771028), eligible cancer survivors had completed curative treatment, were 18 years or older and screened positive for sr-CRCI with ≥ 43 on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Participants were randomised to the immediate treatment group (ITG) or wait-list control (WLC) group, based on age (< or ≥ 65 years), gender, treatment (chemotherapy or not), and centre. The ITG started to apply EFT after inclusion and performed this for 16 weeks. The WLC group could only start the application of EFT after 8 weeks of waiting. Evaluations took place at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1) and 16 weeks (T2). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with sr-CRCI according to the CFQ score.

Findings: Between October 2016 and March 2020, 121 patients were recruited with CFQ ≥ 43 indicating sr-CRCI. At T1, the number of patients scoring positive on the CFQ was significantly reduced in the ITG compared to the WLC group (40.8% vs. 87.3% respectively; p<0.01). For the WLC group, a reduction in CFQ scores was observed at T2, comparable to the effect of the ITG at T1. Linear mixed model analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in the CFQ score, distress, depressive symptoms, fatigue and also an improvement in quality of life.

Interpretation: This study provides evidence for the application of EFT for sr-CRCI in cancer survivors and suggests that EFT may be useful for other symptoms in cancer survivors.

Citation (APA Style): Tack, L., Lefebvre, T., Lycke, M., Langenaeken, C., Fontaine, C., Borms, M., Hanssens, M., Knops, C., Meryck, K., Boterberg, T., Pottel, H., Schofield, P., & Debruyne, P. R. (2021). A randomised wait-list controlled trial to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques for self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors (EMOTICON). EClinicalMedicine, 39, 101081. MEDLINE Complete. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101081

Direct link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00361-8/fulltext

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse affects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhabitor use are the most common reason reported by women with breast cancer for discontinuing hormonal therapies. Poor compliance is associated with an increased risk of mortality and early recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for improving mood state, and secondarily, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and pain experienced by women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapies.

Methods: Participants (n = 41) received a three-week course of EFT, consisting of one session of three hours per week, followed by use of the self-tool over the next nine weeks as required. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess mood, pain, fatigue, endocrine (menopausal) symptoms and hot flushes and night sweats, together with a hot flush diary, at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Participants also completed 7-day home practice sheets for the first six weeks, a feedback form at six weeks and were invited to attend a follow-up focus group at eight weeks.

Results: Statistically significant improvements in Total Mood Disturbance (p = 0.005; p = 0.008), and anxiety (p = 0.003; p = 0.028), depression (p = 0.006; p = 0.020) and fatigue (p = 0.008; p = 0.033) occurred at both 6 and 12 weeks, respectively, compared to baseline. In addition, mean fatigue interference and global scores, numbers of hot flushes and the hot flush problem rating score decreased at 6 and/or 12 weeks.

Discussion/conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that EFT may be an effective self-help tool for women with breast cancer experiencing side effects from hormonal therapies.

Citation (APA Style): Baker, B. & Hoffman, C.  (2015).  Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to reduce the side effects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor use in women with breast cancer: A service evaluation. European Journal of Integrative Medicine 7(2), 136-42.  DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2014.10.004

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382014003072?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Background/Objectives: A history of cancer has been linked to stress and concerns about its recurrence. We aimed to test the benefits of an evidence-based self-help stress reduction method, the Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), in survivors of cutaneous melanoma, and to contrast its effects on wellbeing and perceptions of cancer recurrence when delivered in a group versus individual instruction setting. 

Methods: This study was preregistered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05421988, 3 April 2022). Fifty-three patients aged 18 and above, diagnosed with melanoma (stage T1a–T2a) at least 6 months prior, and not in active treatment were recruited from a private skin cancer clinic. After consent, all participants were randomized in one step into three condition groups: Group EFT (G-EFT; n = 16), Individual EFT (I-EFT; n = 18), and a waiting-list control condition (CC; n = 19). G-EFT and I-EFT participants attended weekly treatment sessions for four weeks. Perceptions of cancer recurrence and wellbeing measures were obtained pre- and post-intervention and at three-months follow-up using online questionnaires. Subjective units of distress (SUDs) were recorded by the EFT instructor at the beginning and end of each session. 

Results: Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention in both EFT conditions in terms of participants’ understanding of how to prevent recurrence and in their spiritual wellbeing. No statistically significant effects were found for fear of recurrence, recurrence perceptions, and affect. Significant decreases in SUD scores were observed in both EFT conditions. Over 80% of the experimental conditions’ participants reported positive changes and satisfaction. 

Conclusions: The findings provide support for offering EFT instruction as a non-pharmacological and noninvasive self-help method to ameliorate the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and for its similar effectiveness in either a group or individual format.

Citation (APA Style): Lazarov, A., Church, D., Shidlo, N., & Benyamini, Y. (2025). The effectiveness of group and individual training in emotional freedom techniques for patients in remission from melanoma: A randomized controlled trial. Healthcare, 13(12), 1420. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121420

Direct link: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/12/1420

Abstract

Objective: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a self-healing method that combines Eastern meridian acupuncture and Western psychology. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of EFT in reducing anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief symptoms in people with cancer.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, including Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CBM, WeiPu, CNKI, and WanFang, up to May 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on EFT's effects on psychological symptoms and well-being in people with cancer. Eligible RCTs were screened, quality-assessed, and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results: From 1026 articles, ten RCTs met the inclusion criteria, involving 774 patients (388 in the EFT group and 386 in the control group). EFT reduced symptoms of depression (MD = −7.41, 95 % CI [−9.32, −5.51], P < .001) and anxiety (MD = −7.92, 95 % CI [−11.01, −4.83], P < .001). For anticipatory grief, EFT improved symptoms related to sadness, anger, death attitude, somatic symptoms, religious comfort, and perceived social support, but did not affect disease adjustment, self-awareness, or psychological distress. EFT also improved sleep quality (MD = −1.96, 95 % CI [−2.80, −1.13], P < .001).

Conclusion: EFT significantly alleviates anxiety, depression, and certain aspects of anticipatory grief, as well as sleep issues in people with cancer, though it shows limited efficacy in psychological distress, disease adjustment, and self-awareness. Further research should standardize outcomes to verify EFT's comprehensive benefits.

Citation (APA Style): Zheng, D., Lin, X., Gao, X., Wang, L., & Zhu, M. (2025). The impact of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief in people with cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 192(112088), 112088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112088

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399925000522

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients frequently experience anticipatory grief (AG), anxiety, and sleep disturbances. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) therapy in alleviating these symptoms.

Methods: A total of 58 cancer patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) receiving 4-week EFT therapy (acupoint tapping + scripted prompts, 5 minutes per prompt) plus routine care, or a control group (n = 28) receiving routine care alone. AG was measured using the Preparatory Grief in Advanced Cancer Patients scale, anxiety with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at baseline and postintervention.

Results: After 4 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated: Significantly lower AG scores versus control (P < .01); greater anxiety reduction (P = .04); improved sleep quality (P < .01).

Conclusion: EFT therapy produces clinically significant improvements in AG, anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality among cancer patients within 4 weeks.

Citation (APA Style): Zheng, D., Xiao, W., Duan, D., Tang, C., & Lin, X. (2025). Effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques therapy in alleviating anticipatory grief for cancer patients. Medicine, 104(36), e44211–e44211. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000044211

Direct link: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/09050/effectiveness_of_emotional_freedom_techniques.57.aspx

Abstract

Purpose: Cancer patients frequently experience both physical and psychological challenges, including chronic pain and depression. While conventional treatments primarily rely on pharmacological interventions, complementary approaches such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) may help alleviate both physical and psychological distress. This study aimed to assess the effects of EFT on pain and depression in individuals with cancer.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the oncology ward of a high-capacity hospital in eastern Turkey between December 2023 and March 2024. Seventy cancer patients were randomly assigned to either the EFT group (n = 35) or the control group (n = 35). The EFT group received four structured 30-min sessions over two weeks, led by a certified EFT practitioner, with symptom reassessment after each session. The control group received routine care. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention.

Results: VAS scores in the EFT group significantly decreased from 4.82 ± 2.47 to 2.44 ± 1.97 (p < 0.05), whereas the control group showed a smaller reduction from 5.36 ± 2.42 to 4.25 ± 2.75 (p > 0.05). BDI scores in the EFT group improved significantly, decreasing from 31.44 ± 17.68 to 18.44 ± 7.0 (p < 0.05), while the control group’s scores increased from 27.94 ± 16.26 to 31.42 ± 12.65 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that EFT was effective in significantly reducing both pain and depression levels in cancer patients.

Citation (APA Style): Kaplan, M., & Çelik, H. (2025). The effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on pain and depression in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33(8), 749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09814-x

Direct link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-025-09814-x 

Abstract

Approximately one-third of cancer survivors report a need for professional help to cope with Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR). In the REMOTE trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy of two internet-based mind-body techniques to address this currently unmet medical need. Cancer survivors, screened using the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), are randomly assigned to one of the three study groups: (1) internet-based emotional freedom techniques (iEFT) (n = 113), (2) an active control condition internet-based mindfulness meditation intervention (iMMI) (n = 113), or (3) a wait-list control group (WLC) (n = 113). The interventions iEFT and iMMI are conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams (Microsoft, Redmond, WA), and participants have access to an online platform via the MyNexuzHealth application (nexuzhealth NV, Hasselt, Belgium). The primary endpoint is the level of FCR. Secondary outcomes are emotional distress and quality of life (QoL). If iEFT and/or iMMI appear to be effective in reducing FCR, they could be readily implemented in clinical practice.

Citation (APA Style): Tack, L., Mertens, L., Vandeweyer, M., Florin, F., Pauwels, E., Baert, T., Boterberg, T., Fontaine, C., Geldhof, K., Lamot, C., Langenaeken, C., Mebis, J., Teuwen, L.-A., Vandenborre, K., Van den Bulck, H., Van Ryckeghem, F., Najlah, M., Schofield, P., & Debruyne, P. R. (2025). Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence with Internet-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques (iEFT) and Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (iMMI) (BGOG-gyn1b/REMOTE). Brain Sciences, 15(9), 900. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15090900

Direct link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/9/900