Randomised trial, 2022
Can emotional freedom techniques (tapping) help reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. In a study of 50 nursing students with PMS, those who learned and practiced emotional freedom techniques showed significant improvements in depression, fatigue, nervousness, sleep problems, and swelling.
What they did
50 nursing students with PMS (scoring 111 or higher on the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale) participated. The experimental group was instructed to apply emotional freedom techniques, which involve tapping on specific body points.
What they found
The group using emotional freedom techniques had statistically significant improvements in depressive mood, fatigue, nervousness, sleep-related changes, and swelling compared to baseline (p < 0.05), as well as overall PMS scores.
What it means for you
Emotional freedom techniques may be a fast, easy, inexpensive self-treatment for PMS that women can do at home. The study was small and only included nursing students, which limits how widely the findings apply.
50
nursing students with PMS
111
minimum PMS score for entry
About the study
- Original title
- The effects of emotional freedom techniques on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized control trial
- Authors
- Bakır N, Irmak Vural P, Körpe G
- Journal
- Perspectives in psychiatric care
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 50
- What was tested
- Emotional freedom techniques (a tapping-based method)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12957
Topics
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