Emotional Freedom Techniques in Nursing Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Pain Intensity, Pain Catastrophizing, and Functional-Emotional Impact in Nursing Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea

This study will examine whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can reduce pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and functional-emotional impact in nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive EFT-based support, and the control group will continue their usual coping practices. Study outcomes will be measured before the intervention, after the intervention, and at follow-up. This study may provide evidence for a safe, non-pharmacological approach to support students with primary dysmenorrhea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being enrolled in a nursing program,
• Being 18 years of age or older
• Having had a regular menstrual cycle within the last six months
• Experiencing primary dysmenorrhea during the last three menstrual cycles
• Reporting moderate to severe pain according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 4-10)
• Voluntary participation in the study
• Providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a diagnosed gynecological disease that may cause secondary dysmenorrhea (endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.)
• Having chronic pain syndrome
• Receiving regular treatment or taking psychiatric medication due to a psychiatric diagnosis
• Applying another pharmacological or non-pharmacological intervention that may affect pain perception during the research process,
• Taking the course Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Nursing • Receiving/having received emotional freedom technique training,
• Having previously received training in this technique or regularly using it
• Having a cognitive or sensory problem that prevents communication or completing data collection forms
• Not completing the application protocol
• Incomplete completion of data collection forms
• Wishing to withdraw from the research