Emotional Freedom Technique for Perceived Traumatic Childbirth

NCT07773298 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: EFT-PTB-2023-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 158
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on perceived traumatic childbirth, anxiety, and psychological well-being among women with perceived traumatic childbirth. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either the EFT group or the control group. The EFT group received two face-to-face sessions and 14 guided online sessions over one week, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Perceived traumatic childbirth was the primary outcome; anxiety and psychological well-being were the secondary outcomes.

Conditions

Perceived Traumatic Childbirth

Keywords

Emotional Freedom Technique; Birth Trauma; Anxiety; Psychological Well-Being; Midwifery

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale Total Score

  Perceived traumatic childbirth was assessed using the Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale (PTCS). The scale consists of 13 self-report items, each scored from 0 to 10. Total scores range from 0 to 130, with higher scores indicating a greater severity of perceived traumatic childbirth. A total score of 27 or higher indicates perceived traumatic childbirth.

  Baseline on Day 1 and Day 7, approximately 40 minutes after the second face-to-face intervention session

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Beck Anxiety Inventory Total Score

  Baseline on Day 1 and Day 7, approximately 40 minutes after the second face-to-face intervention session

• Psychological Well-Being Scale Total Score

  Baseline on Day 1 and Day 7, approximately 40 minutes after the second face-to-face intervention session

Other Outcomes (1)

• Subjective Units of Experience Scale Score

  Baseline on Day 1; approximately 40 minutes after the first face-to-face session on Day 1; before the second face-to-face session on Day 7; and approximately 40 minutes after the second face-to-face session on Day 7

Study Arms (2)

Emotional Freedom Technique Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a structured Emotional Freedom Technique intervention consisting of two face-to-face sessions and 14 guided online sessions over one week, for a total of 16 sessions.

Behavioral: Emotional Freedom Technique

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants received no intervention during the study period. After completion of data collection, participants who requested Emotional Freedom Technique were offered an online session.

Interventions

Emotional Freedom Technique BEHAVIORAL

The Emotional Freedom Technique intervention was delivered by a researcher who had completed 40 hours of certified EFT training. Participants received an initial face-to-face session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes on Day 1. This was followed by 14 guided online sessions delivered via Zoom twice daily, in the morning and evening, over one week; each online session lasted approximately 15 minutes. A second face-to-face session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes was conducted on Day 7. The intervention included identification of distress related to the previous vaginal birth experience, assessment using the Subjective Units of Experience Scale, formulation and repetition of a reminder phrase, tapping on specified points, empowering affirmations, reassessment, and closure. Participants completed a total of 16 sessions.

Also known as: EFT

Emotional Freedom Technique Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• A Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale score of 27 or higher
• A negative affect level of -1 or lower on the Subjective Units of Experience Scale
• A history of at least one vaginal birth
• Registration at or presentation to Yurtbasi Family Health Center

You may not qualify if:

• A documented psychiatric diagnosis in the Family Health Center records
• Inability to communicate in Turkish
• Hearing, speech, or comprehension impairments that interfered with communication
• Infection, wounds, or scars in the body areas used for tapping during Emotional Freedom Technique

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ümmügülsüm Ulutaş: lead

Study Sites (1)

Yurtbasi Family Health Center

Elâzığ, Elâzığ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Birth Injuries; Anxiety Disorders; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Wounds and Injuries; Mental Disorders; Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 14, 2026
• First Posted: August 19, 2026
• Study Start: October 9, 2023
• Primary Completion: June 18, 2024
• Study Completion: June 18, 2024
• Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)