Tapping (EFT) for Trauma (other): evidence summary

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

56studies
12randomized trials
2meta-analyses/reviews
3,462participants

Selected strongest studies

StudyDesignJournalEffect
Kwon, C. Y., Lee, B. (2025) Systematic review, 9 studies Medicine
Suh, H-W., Choi, E-J. et al. (2016) Systematic review, 16 studies Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D. et al. (2013) Randomized trial, N=164 African Journal of Traumatic Stress
Okyay, E., Ucar, T. (2023) Randomized trial, N=159 Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
Irmak Vural, P., Aslan, E. (2019) Randomized trial, N=120 Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Okut, G., Alpar, S. E. et al. (2022) Randomized trial, N=84 Journal of Psychiatric Nursing (Psikiyatri Hemşireliği Dergisi)
Kober, A., Scheck, T. et al. (2002) Randomized trial, N=60 Anesthesia & Analgesia
Brown, G., Batra, K. et al. (2024) Randomized trial, N=51 Psychology
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.