title: Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Unhealthy Eating Behaviors and Related Psychological Constructs in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Australia and throughout much of the world, rates of obesity continue to climb as do the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly in adolescents. Psychological consequences of childhood obesity include low self-esteem, depression, body dissatisfaction, and social maladjustment (Young-Hyman et al., 2012).
  This feasibility study sought to examine the impact of a six-week Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) group treatment program upon eating behaviours, self-esteem, compassion, and psychological symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four students were randomly allocated to either the EFT group or the waitlist control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results revealed a delayed effect for both groups at post-intervention, with improved eating habits, self-esteem, and compassion at follow-up. Findings provide preliminary support for EFT as an effective treatment strategy for increasing healthy eating behaviours and improving associated weight-related psychopathology.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia. Electronic address: pstaplet@bond.edu.au.
authors.forename: Peta
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chatwin
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: William
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hutton
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pain
authors.affiliation: The Lakeside Rooms, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.affiliation: The Lakeside Rooms, Gold Coast, Queensland 4229, Australia.
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sheldon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001315:Australia; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating; D004644:Emotions; D004645:Empathy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: EFT; compassion; eating behaviours; obesity; psychological distress; self-esteem