A Newfound Experience of Being Good Enough: Youth’s Experiences of an Equine-assisted Therapy Intervention.

Overview

• This study explored how children and adolescents with anxiety-related mental health challenges in southern Sweden experienced equine-assisted therapy.
• It found that participating in this therapy helped youth feel “good enough,” fostering emotional safety, confidence, and competence.

Background and Purpose

• Mental health in children and adolescents is critical for well-being, including self-esteem, confidence, physical activity, and social interaction.
• Good mental health supports executive functions important for academic success.
• Mental health issues among Swedish youth are on the rise, with increases in reported problems, psychiatric diagnoses, and medication use.
• The study aimed to understand how equine-assisted interventions (EAI)—therapies involving horses—are experienced by young people facing anxiety-related mental health challenges.

Methodology

• Researchers used a qualitative design with reflexive thematic analysis to gather and interpret participants’ experiences.
• The focus was on children and adolescents receiving EAI in southern Sweden.
• Thematic analysis involved identifying patterns and themes reflecting the youths’ subjective experiences of the therapy.

Main Findings

• Participation in EAI fostered a powerful sense of “being good enough,” which was central to the youths’ positive experiences.
• Three interrelated themes emerged from the data:
• Non-demanding, Stress-free Environment: Youth described the setting as relaxing and emotionally safe, offering relief from everyday pressures.
• Interaction with Horses: Engaging with horses helped participants find inner harmony, regulate emotions, and feel more confident.
• Feeling Competent and Authentic: Participants gained a stronger sense of ability and genuine self to better handle everyday challenges.
• The development of these positive experiences was gradual and interconnected rather than resulting from a single cause or event within the therapy.

Implications

• The study shows that equine-assisted therapy can create a safe and supportive space for youth struggling with anxiety and mental health issues.
• This environment promotes emotional regulation and boosts confidence and competence, which are valuable for managing day-to-day life.
• Such therapy could complement traditional mental health interventions by addressing emotional safety and self-worth in a unique, engaging way.
• These findings support the potential of animal-assisted therapies to improve youth mental health by focusing on experiential and relational elements.

Conclusion

• Equine-assisted interventions helped young participants feel accepted and capable in an environment free of stress and judgment.
• The horses served as important allies in fostering emotional well-being and self-confidence.
• This holistic experience contributed to improved mental health and resilience among youth with anxiety-related challenges.