Examination of the Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Quality of Life and Symptoms in Dysmenorrhea

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms among women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea. METHOD: The present study is a randomized and controlled study with a pretest-posttest design. The study sample consists of a total of 65 women calculated by using the G*Power program. Data collection was conducted using a Personal Information Form, Dysmenorrhea Diagnosis Form, Menstruation Symptom Scale, and Quality of Life Scale. The experimental group received two sessions of EFT, each lasting approximately 45-60 min, aimed at reducing negative emotions and promoting positive coping with menstrual pain, while the control group was provided with dysmenorrhea awareness training and informational brochures as part of routine counseling. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26 software. RESULTS: In the EFT group, there was a significant decrease in negative effects/somatic complaints originating from menstrual symptoms and mean total scores, as well as in pain due to dysmenorrhea. Negative effects/somatic complaints from menstruation and general symptoms increased with increasing pain due to dysmenorrhea. There were significant differences in the physical function quality of life parameter in the EFT group. CONCLUSION: It was determined that EFT reduces pain, alleviates symptoms, and enhances quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT06129279.