Effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques with a recreational plastic expression program in post-traumatic stress of school age children boarded for abuse-related trauma

Abstract

We present an experimentally controlled and randomized investigation with pre- and post-trial results, carried out on 47 children boarded for abuse-related trauma in four different shelters. A gradual scale was utilized based on the DSM-5 criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program included six sessions that implemented Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), together with recreational plastic expression. The Plastic Expression was appropriate, taking into account the under-developed verbal skills and the hypoactivation of the speech area under the PTSD, and facilitated the approach of memories in a safe, group-oriented environment. The recreational usage brought along the comfort which in turn helped to counteract the avoidance that presents itself at the onset of the PTSD. The EFT gave way to a rapid decrease in the distress response and contributed to the immediate elaboration of memories. The program significantly decreased the level of the PTSD, facilitated learning of new and effective forms of coping, and contributed by opening the mind towards a personal life project.