The Effects of an Emotional Freedom Technique-Based Intervention During Mammography on Perceived Pain, Situational Anxiety, and Satisfaction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)-based supportive intervention applied prior to mammography screening on women's perceived pain, situational anxiety, and satisfaction levels. It was hypothesized that women receiving EFT would report lower pain and anxiety levels and higher satisfaction compared to the control group. This research was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected at the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Center between November 2024 and May 2025. The sample consisted of 94 women, with 47 in the EFT-based supportive intervention group and 47 in the control group. Participants were randomly assigned to groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Data were collected using the Pre- and Post-Procedure Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The intervention group received a standardized single EFT session before mammography, with all procedural steps applied consistently, while the control group received only routine care. Between-group comparisons were done using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and within-group changes with the Wilcoxon test. The intervention group had significantly lower post-procedure STAI-I scores (d = 2.18), lower pain levels during (d = 1.61) and after the procedure (d = 0.84), and higher satisfaction scores (d = 2.08) compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). The findings suggest that an EFT-based intervention appears effective in reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing satisfaction in women undergoing mammography, supporting its complementary use despite the study's modest sample size and some variability in intervention duration. Trial Registration: NCT06296927 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).