Tapping (EFT) for Stress & Cortisol: evidence summary

A one-page overview of the peer-reviewed research, prepared for discussion with a healthcare provider. The Tapping Evidence Base · July 2026

33studies
10randomized trials
3meta-analyses/reviews
3,068participants

Selected strongest studies

StudyDesignJournalEffect
Wong, K.W., Wu, X. et al. (2024) Meta-analysis, 17 studies International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Hasibuan, S.H., Said, F.M. et al. (2025) Systematic review African Journal of Biomedical Research
López-Del-Hoyo, Y., Fernández-Martínez, S. et al. (2023) Systematic review, 22 studies Journal of Clinical Nursing
Okyay, E., Ucar, T. (2023) Randomized trial, N=159 Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
Trivedi, M. K., Branton, A. et al. (2024) Randomized trial, N=114 Health Psychology Research
Morikawa, A., Fujimoto, M. et al. (2025) Randomized trial, N=99 Explore
Dwivedi, S., Sekhon, A. et al. (2021) Randomized trial, N=14 International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Jasubhai, S. (2021) Randomized trial, N=14 Journal of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Care
What tapping (EFT) is. A brief self-administered technique combining exposure and cognitive elements with fingertip stimulation of acupressure points. It is used as a self-help and adjunctive practice for stress and emotional regulation. Effect sizes above are tapping vs. a comparison group; d ≥ 0.8 is considered large. Limitations across this literature include variable use of active vs. waitlist controls and reliance on self-report measures. This summary is informational and not a substitute for clinical judgment.