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The current staus of energy psychology: extraordinary claims with less than ordinary evidence
Citation
Bakker, G, The current staus of energy psychology: extraordinary claims with less than ordinary evidence, Clinical Psychologist, 17, (3) pp. 91-99. ISSN 1328-4207 (2013) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2013 The Australian Psychological Society
DOI: doi:10.1111/cp.12020
Abstract
Proponents of energy psychology techniques, such as Thought Field Therapy
and Emotional Freedom Techniques, have sought "empirically supported
therapy" status despite an unsupported and implausible theoretical basis and
claims in response of representing a "pseudoscientific" movement. Two
major reviews of the supportive evidence which has accumulated over the
past 30 years have been published recently. This current status report
describes the history, theory, techniques, claims, and implications of the
energy psychology movement, examines support for its theoretical base, its
current outcome study support, and offers conclusions and recommendations
as to its research and clinical prospects. It is concluded that there is
scant support for the radical theories underlying energy psychology techniques,
and that empirical support for their efficacy is methodologically
weak, and has not been able to demonstrate an effect beyond nonspecific or
placebo effects, or the incorporation of known-effective elements. The only
dismantling studies to date have been disconfirmatory. Further research is
highly unlikely to be scientifically productive, and scientist practitioners are
advised to continue to adhere to well-established cognitive and behavioural
principles.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | emotional freedom techniques, empirically supported treatments, energy psychology, pseudoscience, thought field therapy |
Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Mental health services |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Provision of health and support services |
Objective Field: | Mental health services |
UTAS Author: | Bakker, G (Mr Gary Bakker) |
ID Code: | 86454 |
Year Published: | 2013 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 6 |
Deposited By: | Medicine |
Deposited On: | 2013-09-17 |
Last Modified: | 2017-10-31 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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