Chronic pain probably affects someone you know

Stapleton and her colleagues recognized that chronic pain is an experience that impacts people’s quality of life, and “affects one in five adults during their lifetime”. The authors note that a strong link is seen between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult pain, with psychological health being particularly vulnerable to ACEs.
 

Study design

147 chronic pain sufferers were randomized into two groups: one with an active EFT intervention, and a waitlist control group. Before and after the study, they completed a series of assessments: Brief Pain Inventory, Quality of Life Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Self Rating of Happiness, Patient Health Questionnaire and the ACE Questionnaire. The intervention group was then subdivided into a live (via ZOOM) subgroup (78) and a self-paced subgroup (83); and the waitlist group also subdivided into a live subgroup (46) and a self-paced subgroup (118).

The intervention group received EFT for 2 hours per week for 6 weeks, either “in-person” via live zoom sessions, or “self-paced” by tapping along with videos recorded by the researchers. The waitlist control group “waited” without any treatment for 6 weeks, then received the same protocol as the intervention group. (The study was done during the covid pandemic, so no physical in-person sessions were held.)

Outcome: significant and sustained improvements

Results showed that pain severity was significantly lower in the group using EFT at post-test compared with pretest and was maintained through a 6-month follow-up. Quality of life also showed improved scores after using EFT. These outcomes were also sustained at 6-month follow-up. Notably, both in-person (online) and self-paced groups showed significant results, indicating that online or self-paced interventions would not compromise treatment outcomes.

Why does this matter?

Chronic pain is known to affect roughly 20% of the population and is a major disrupter of the quality of people’s lives. It can be linked to depression, isolation, and other physical and mental health issues. People invest serious time and money in an effort to cope, including medication and expensive treatments. EFT can be accessible, inexpensive, and easy to use even in a virtual setting. This study offers hope for people who have been living with chronic pain.

Spreading the word about the research

This newly released study adds to the library of research which shows how using EFT can improve overall quality of life, including as a skill for pain management and reduction. Recently, ACEP shared the Science of Energy Healing Masterclass, full of examples of relevant research and tips on how to communicate scientific findings in ways that connect with your clients (and anyone else who shows interest!)
 

Want to learn more?
 

• ACEP offers gold-standard training in EFT, designed especially for licensed clinicians. CE/CNE is available.
• Want to learn more about the science while earning CE’s? Take our Science of Energy Healing Deluxe course.
• Stay up to date with the research on energy psychology. Check out the research section on our web site, which includes a brief Quick Facts and downloadable bibliographies. You can also contact John Freedom and ask him to add you to the research mailing list. research_committee@energypsych.org

Read the full study

Stapleton, P. et al. (2024). A randomized clinical trial of emotional freedom techniques for chronic pain: Live versus self-paced delivery with 6-month follow-up. Eur J Pain. 2024;00:1–14.

doi: 10.1002/ejp.4740

Authors

Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and coach with a private practice in Brooklyn, NY. She incorporates EFT, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for individual experience and creative drive. She is a member of ACEP and the ACEP Communications Committee. 

John Freedom, CEHP, serves as chairman of ACEP’s research committee. The author of Heal Yourself with Emotional Freedom Technique, he presents seminars and events throughout the US and in Europe.