Work

Effectiveness of a single emotional freedom techniques session on facilitating forgiveness and mental health: a randomized clinical trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Interpersonal transgressions can cause emotional distress and harm victims’ mental and physical health. This pre-registered clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in promoting forgiveness and mental health. A sample of 98 adults (91% female, aged 28–72) from Australia and the U.S. self-selected and were randomly allocated to an online EFT intervention or control task. Pre- and post-intervention measures assessed forgiveness, empathy, rumination, mood, and anxiety. Results revealed moderate improvements in most outcomes for the EFT group, suggesting its potential role in fostering forgiveness and psychological recovery. Findings suggest EFT may aid emotional reintegration, reduce stress, and enhance mental wellbeing after interpersonal offenses.

Source: Cogent Psychology

DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2025.2538740

Authors: Peta Stapleton, Kyra Le Sech, Loren L. Toussaint, Hui Kuang Hsieh

Institutions: Bond University, Luther College

Language: English

Topic: Forgiveness and Related Behaviors

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,134