Treatment of Food Cravings: A Comparison of Emotional Freedom Techniques, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Control Group

INTERVENTION: 1. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) ‐ meridian‐based procedure which combines cognitive strategies with somatic procedures adapted from acupuncture and related systems for altering the cognitive, behavioural, and neurochemical foundations of psychological problems. It is often referred to as “psychological acupuncture” and aims to incorporate this principle of acupuncture into psychotherapeutic settings. The premise behind Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and EFT suggests that negative emotions in the body are caused by a disturbance in the body’s energy field (or meridian system). The action of stimulating acupressure points on the body (through a tapping process) while focusing the mind on the negative emotion is thought to restore the balance in the body (Craig, 2008). This act then eliminates negative emotions. Feinstein (2008) has proposed the arousal of the amygdala and other brain structures in the stress response are desensitised using EFT, where other theories highlight connective tissue transmission of piezoelectric signals (Oschman, 2006), neurotransmitter ratio alterations (dopamine and serotonin, Feinstein et al., 2005), and increased HPA axis regulation and a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol (Church, 2008). The EFT Intervention group will receive 8 x 2 hour sessions, which will be held over 8 weeks. Treatment will be delivered in groups of 15 participants and will be demonstrated by a qualified therapist, who will instruct participants to self administer the technique. CONDITION: Food Cravings overweight/obesity PRIMARY OUTCOME: Decrease in food craving severity ‐ measured through validated self report questionnaires (to assess frequency and severity). Questionnaire uses a likert scale of responses and is the Food Craving Inventory. Increase in power over food cravings ‐ measured through validated self report questionnaires (to assess frequency and severity). Questionnaire uses a likert scale of responses and is the Power of Food Scale. Increase in restraint over food cravings ‐ measured through validated self report questionnaires (to assess frequency and severity). Questionnaire use a likert scale of responses and is the Revised Restraint Questionnaire. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Decrease in body mass index Improvement in related constructs (e.g. anxiety and somatoform concerns) ‐ measured through validated self report questionnaires (to assess frequency and severity). Questionnaire use a likert scale of responses and is the Patient Health Questionnaire. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Both genders, must be overweight (i.e. Body Mass Index; BMI; between 25‐29) or obese (BMI greater than 30), between18 years old and 100 years, not suffering any severe psychological impairment, not currently receiving treatment (psychological or medical) for their food cravings