Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Training and Self-Compassion Training on Resilience, Anxiety, and Parent–Child Relationships in Parents of Children with Autism

Shirin  Allaf Sharifi; Elham Hakimi Rad; Leila  Kashani Vahid

Authors

Shirin Allaf Sharifi PhD Student, Department of Psychology of Exceptional Children, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5366-201X
Elham Hakimi Rad Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6761-5147
Leila Kashani Vahid Department of Psychology of Exceptional Children, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5070-5186

Keywords:

Anxiety; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Emotional Freedom Technique; Parent–Child Relationship; Resilience; Self-Compassion

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) training and self-compassion training on resilience, anxiety, and parent–child relationships among parents of children with autism.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with two intervention groups and one control group, together with a one-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of parents of children with autism in Tehran, Iran. Using convenience sampling, 60 eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 20 participants: EFT training, self-compassion training, and control. Data were collected using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the anxiety subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and Pianta’s Parent–Child Relationship Scale. The intervention groups received their respective training programs, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons in SPSS version 26.

Findings: Analysis of covariance showed significant group effects on resilience, F(2,52)=10.843, p<.001, partial η²=.294; anxiety, F(2,52)=3.252, p=.047, partial η²=.111; conflict, F(2,52)=11.922, p<.001, partial η²=.314; intimacy, F(2,52)=14.110, p<.001, partial η²=.352; and dependency, F(2,52)=4.423, p=.017, partial η²=.145. Bonferroni comparisons indicated that both EFT and self-compassion training significantly improved resilience and intimacy and reduced anxiety and conflict compared with the control group. EFT produced a significantly greater improvement in resilience than self-compassion training (p=.032). EFT also significantly reduced dependency compared with the control group (p=.016), whereas the effect of self-compassion training on dependency was not significant.

Conclusion: Both EFT and self-compassion training were effective in improving psychological and relational outcomes among parents of children with autism, although EFT demonstrated greater effectiveness in enhancing resilience and showed a significant advantage in reducing parent–child dependency.

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