Experience

Publications

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques).

  Archives of Scientific Psychology

  The current study was designed to measure whether acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT, or whether its effects are due to its cognitive and exposure elements, or factors common to all therapies like sympathetic attention and belief in a positive outcome. In this study, 37 participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups. ROM, pain, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-min treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received clinical EFT, while the other received all the elements of EFT but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupressure. No statistically significant improvement (1 possibility in 20) in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list group. After treatment, participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained their gains for psychological symptoms. Statistically large EFT treatment effects were found for anxiety, pain, and depression. ROM changes were not statistically significant for most measures in any of the groups. The EFT group showed a significant association between reductions in psychological distress and pain. The results are consistent with 5 earlier studies showing that acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT treatment and not an inert ingredient or a placebo. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that clinical EFT is an evidence-based and effective treatment for pain and psychological conditions.

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques).

  Archives of Scientific Psychology

  The current study was designed to measure whether acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT, or whether its effects are due to its cognitive and exposure elements, or factors common to all therapies like sympathetic attention and belief in a positive outcome. In this study, 37 participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups. ROM, pain, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-min treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received clinical EFT, while the other received all the elements of EFT but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupressure. No statistically significant improvement (1 possibility in 20) in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list group. After treatment, participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained their gains for psychological symptoms. Statistically large EFT treatment effects were found for anxiety, pain, and depression. ROM changes were not statistically significant for most measures in any of the groups. The EFT group showed a significant association between reductions in psychological distress and pain. The results are consistent with 5 earlier studies showing that acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT treatment and not an inert ingredient or a placebo. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that clinical EFT is an evidence-based and effective treatment for pain and psychological conditions.

• An Integrated Approach for Source Water Protection and Awareness in Rural Agricultural Watersheds

  American Public Health Association

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques).

  Archives of Scientific Psychology

  The current study was designed to measure whether acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT, or whether its effects are due to its cognitive and exposure elements, or factors common to all therapies like sympathetic attention and belief in a positive outcome. In this study, 37 participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups. ROM, pain, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-min treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received clinical EFT, while the other received all the elements of EFT but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupressure. No statistically significant improvement (1 possibility in 20) in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list group. After treatment, participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained their gains for psychological symptoms. Statistically large EFT treatment effects were found for anxiety, pain, and depression. ROM changes were not statistically significant for most measures in any of the groups. The EFT group showed a significant association between reductions in psychological distress and pain. The results are consistent with 5 earlier studies showing that acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT treatment and not an inert ingredient or a placebo. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that clinical EFT is an evidence-based and effective treatment for pain and psychological conditions.

• An Integrated Approach for Source Water Protection and Awareness in Rural Agricultural Watersheds

  American Public Health Association

• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the Treatment of Depression.

  Explore

  METHODS: All studies (2005-2015) evaluating EFT for sufferers of depression were identified by electronic search; these included both outcome studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our focus was depressive symptoms as measured by a variety of psychometric questionnaires and scales. We used meta-analysis to calculate effect sizes at three time points including posttest, follow-ups less than 90 days, and follow-ups more than 90 days. RESULTS: In total, 20 studies were qualified for inclusion, 12 RCTs and 8 outcome studies. The number of participants treated with EFT included N = 461 in outcome studies and N = 398 in RCTs. Clinical EFT showed a large effect size in the treatment of depression in RCTs. At posttest, Cohen׳s d for RCTs was 1.85 and for outcome studies was 0.70. Effect sizes for follow-ups less than 90 days were 1.21, and for ≥ 90 days were 1.11. EFT were more efficacious than diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and supportive interview (SI) in posttest measurements (P = .06 versus DB, P < .001 versus SI), and sleep hygiene education (SHE) at follow-up (P = .036). No significant treatment effect difference between EFT and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was found. EFT were superior to treatment as usual (TAU), and efficacious in treatment time frames ranging from 1 to 10 sessions. The mean of symptom reductions across all studies was -41%. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that Clinical EFT were highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings. EFT were equal or superior to TAU and other active treatment controls. The posttest effect size for EFT (d = 1.31) was larger than that measured in meta-analyses of antidepressant drug trials and psychotherapy studies. EFT produced large treatment effects whether delivered in group or individual format, and participants maintained their gains over time.

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques).

  Archives of Scientific Psychology

  The current study was designed to measure whether acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT, or whether its effects are due to its cognitive and exposure elements, or factors common to all therapies like sympathetic attention and belief in a positive outcome. In this study, 37 participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups. ROM, pain, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-min treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received clinical EFT, while the other received all the elements of EFT but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupressure. No statistically significant improvement (1 possibility in 20) in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list group. After treatment, participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained their gains for psychological symptoms. Statistically large EFT treatment effects were found for anxiety, pain, and depression. ROM changes were not statistically significant for most measures in any of the groups. The EFT group showed a significant association between reductions in psychological distress and pain. The results are consistent with 5 earlier studies showing that acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT treatment and not an inert ingredient or a placebo. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that clinical EFT is an evidence-based and effective treatment for pain and psychological conditions.

• An Integrated Approach for Source Water Protection and Awareness in Rural Agricultural Watersheds

  American Public Health Association

• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the Treatment of Depression.

  Explore

  METHODS: All studies (2005-2015) evaluating EFT for sufferers of depression were identified by electronic search; these included both outcome studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our focus was depressive symptoms as measured by a variety of psychometric questionnaires and scales. We used meta-analysis to calculate effect sizes at three time points including posttest, follow-ups less than 90 days, and follow-ups more than 90 days. RESULTS: In total, 20 studies were qualified for inclusion, 12 RCTs and 8 outcome studies. The number of participants treated with EFT included N = 461 in outcome studies and N = 398 in RCTs. Clinical EFT showed a large effect size in the treatment of depression in RCTs. At posttest, Cohen׳s d for RCTs was 1.85 and for outcome studies was 0.70. Effect sizes for follow-ups less than 90 days were 1.21, and for ≥ 90 days were 1.11. EFT were more efficacious than diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and supportive interview (SI) in posttest measurements (P = .06 versus DB, P < .001 versus SI), and sleep hygiene education (SHE) at follow-up (P = .036). No significant treatment effect difference between EFT and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was found. EFT were superior to treatment as usual (TAU), and efficacious in treatment time frames ranging from 1 to 10 sessions. The mean of symptom reductions across all studies was -41%. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that Clinical EFT were highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings. EFT were equal or superior to TAU and other active treatment controls. The posttest effect size for EFT (d = 1.31) was larger than that measured in meta-analyses of antidepressant drug trials and psychotherapy studies. EFT produced large treatment effects whether delivered in group or individual format, and participants maintained their gains over time.

• Unemployment change and homicide: an exploration of the National Violent Death Reporting System

  ProQuest

  Two studies were undertaken as part of this project. We used homicide data collected by CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), a state-level active surveillance system that provides data on all violent deaths in 16 US states. Data were obtained for 2003-2009. We used the NVDRS, unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Current Population Survey (CPS) to estimate associations between unemployment level and homicide through three research aims First, we used all NVDRS homicide cases to examine the association between monthly change in unemployment and homicide rates. Information on homicides and population estimates were analyzed by Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios as a function of change in unemployment level over month and quarter in which a homicide event occurred (Aim 1). We used a case-crossover design to examine the change in risk of experiencing a workplace homicide as unemployment levels changed over a 1-month period (Aim 2). We examined unemployment change data for the month homicide event occurred (case period) and the two months before and after the case period (control periods).

• Pesticide Concentrations in Drinking Water from Farm Homes: Variations between Community Water Supply and Well-Water

  Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering

• The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques In The Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

  Explore

  Background Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs. Methods A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted Cohen׳s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96–3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study). Conclusions The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Key words: Emotional freedom techniques, posttraumatic stress disorder, veteran

• Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques).

  Archives of Scientific Psychology

  The current study was designed to measure whether acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT, or whether its effects are due to its cognitive and exposure elements, or factors common to all therapies like sympathetic attention and belief in a positive outcome. In this study, 37 participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups. ROM, pain, and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression were assessed before and after a 30-min treatment session, and 30 days later. One treatment group received clinical EFT, while the other received all the elements of EFT but with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) substituted for acupressure. No statistically significant improvement (1 possibility in 20) in any psychological symptom was found in the wait list group. After treatment, participants in the both the EFT and DB groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological symptoms and pain. Follow-up showed that both groups maintained their gains for pain, with EFT superior to DB, but only the EFT group maintained their gains for psychological symptoms. Statistically large EFT treatment effects were found for anxiety, pain, and depression. ROM changes were not statistically significant for most measures in any of the groups. The EFT group showed a significant association between reductions in psychological distress and pain. The results are consistent with 5 earlier studies showing that acupressure is an active ingredient in EFT treatment and not an inert ingredient or a placebo. The study adds further support to other clinical trials indicating that clinical EFT is an evidence-based and effective treatment for pain and psychological conditions.

• An Integrated Approach for Source Water Protection and Awareness in Rural Agricultural Watersheds

  American Public Health Association

• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the Treatment of Depression.

  Explore

  METHODS: All studies (2005-2015) evaluating EFT for sufferers of depression were identified by electronic search; these included both outcome studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our focus was depressive symptoms as measured by a variety of psychometric questionnaires and scales. We used meta-analysis to calculate effect sizes at three time points including posttest, follow-ups less than 90 days, and follow-ups more than 90 days. RESULTS: In total, 20 studies were qualified for inclusion, 12 RCTs and 8 outcome studies. The number of participants treated with EFT included N = 461 in outcome studies and N = 398 in RCTs. Clinical EFT showed a large effect size in the treatment of depression in RCTs. At posttest, Cohen׳s d for RCTs was 1.85 and for outcome studies was 0.70. Effect sizes for follow-ups less than 90 days were 1.21, and for ≥ 90 days were 1.11. EFT were more efficacious than diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and supportive interview (SI) in posttest measurements (P = .06 versus DB, P < .001 versus SI), and sleep hygiene education (SHE) at follow-up (P = .036). No significant treatment effect difference between EFT and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was found. EFT were superior to treatment as usual (TAU), and efficacious in treatment time frames ranging from 1 to 10 sessions. The mean of symptom reductions across all studies was -41%. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that Clinical EFT were highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings. EFT were equal or superior to TAU and other active treatment controls. The posttest effect size for EFT (d = 1.31) was larger than that measured in meta-analyses of antidepressant drug trials and psychotherapy studies. EFT produced large treatment effects whether delivered in group or individual format, and participants maintained their gains over time.

• Unemployment change and homicide: an exploration of the National Violent Death Reporting System

  ProQuest

  Two studies were undertaken as part of this project. We used homicide data collected by CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), a state-level active surveillance system that provides data on all violent deaths in 16 US states. Data were obtained for 2003-2009. We used the NVDRS, unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Current Population Survey (CPS) to estimate associations between unemployment level and homicide through three research aims First, we used all NVDRS homicide cases to examine the association between monthly change in unemployment and homicide rates. Information on homicides and population estimates were analyzed by Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios as a function of change in unemployment level over month and quarter in which a homicide event occurred (Aim 1). We used a case-crossover design to examine the change in risk of experiencing a workplace homicide as unemployment levels changed over a 1-month period (Aim 2). We examined unemployment change data for the month homicide event occurred (case period) and the two months before and after the case period (control periods).

• Epigenetic Effects of PTSD Remediation in Veterans Using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

  American Journal of Health Promotion

  PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of measuring changes in gene expression associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment using emotional freedom techniques (EFT). DESIGN: Participants were randomized into an EFT group receiving EFT and treatment as usual (TAU) throughout a 10-week intervention period and a group receiving only TAU during the intervention period and then receiving EFT. SETTING: A community clinic and a research institute in California. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen veterans with clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. INTERVENTION: Ten-hour long sessions of EFT. MEASURES: Messenger RNA levels for a focused panel of 93 genes related to PTSD. The Symptom Assessment 45 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Scale, SF-12v2 for physical impairments, and Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire. ANALYSIS: Pre-, posttreatment, and follow-up mean scores on questionnaires were assessed using repeated measures 1-way analysis of variance. A Student t test and post hoc analyses were performed on gene expression data. RESULTS: Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms declined significantly in the EFT group (-53%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains on follow-up. Significant differential expression of 6 genes was found (P < .05) when comparing the expression levels before and after the intervention period in participants receiving EFT. CONCLUSION: Study results identify candidate gene expression correlates of successful PTSD treatment, providing guidelines for the design of further studies aimed at exploring the epigenetic effects of EFT.