Effectiveness of Group and Individual Training in EFT for Patients in Remission From Melanoma

Serious medical diagnosis frequently induce fear focused on specific anticipations or generalized anxiety, along with uncertainty, insecurity, and disorientation. Other emotions such as anger, depression, hopelessness, shame, or grief may also become involved following a serious diagnosis. The adverse impact of stress on health and immune function is well-established, as well as its link to depression and anxiety. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This study tests its effectiveness in reducing negative emotional symptoms in general, and fear of recurrence in particular, among individuals previously diagnosed with melanoma and currently in remission.

Specifically, the study aims:

• To assess the effect of instruction and practice of EFT on illness perception, fear of cancer recurrence, and wellbeing.
• To assess whether the social support provided by EFT instruction in a group setting makes this efficient mode of implementation non-inferior or even beneficial in comparison to personal instruction.
• To describe the emotions related to life events reported by patients in connection with the appearance and location of melanoma.

Inclusion criteria

• Melanoma diagnosis over six months prior to the study; confirmed by clinical, dermoscopic examination and pathology results

Exclusion criteria

• In active treatment for melanoma
• schizophrenia
• epilepsy
• other malignant disease