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Home / Equine Research Bank / Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being / Building up bit by bit, parent’s experiences of equine...
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being2024; 19(1); 2354945; doi: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2354945

Building up bit by bit, parent’s experiences of equine-assisted intervention among children and adolescents with mental illness: a grounded theory study.

Abstract: Mental ill health among children and adolescents has increased worldwide. Mental health difficulties from a young age are associated with school absence and educational underachievement. A holistic perspective of treatments besides medical treatment is essential Thus, there is a need for research regarding equine-assisted intervention (EAI). Unassigned: The present study aimed to understand the outcomes of an equine-assisted intervention for children and adolescents with mental ill health from the perspectives of parents and close relatives. Unassigned: This study used a qualitative research design informed by Charmaz's Grounded Theory, with a purposive sample including six in-depth interviews. Unassigned: The theory "" was constructed, explaining the recognition that their children/adolescents were built up bit by bit and created a stronger self-identity. The participants referred to changes in the child's or adolescent's way of being and emotional regulation, which constituted building blocks leading to the child's or adolescent's increased Harmony. enhanced Self-identity, and improved Capability. Unassigned: Parents and close relatives experienced that their child or adolescent was built up bit by bit and gained a stronger foundation to stand on. This led to increased harmony in everyday life with stronger self-worth, better performance, and reduced school absenteeism.
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Publication Date: 2024-05-17 PubMed ID: 38758980PubMed Central: PMC11104696DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2354945Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study explores how parents and close relatives perceive the outcomes of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) for children and adolescents with mental health challenges.
  • It aims to understand the process through which the intervention impacts the child’s emotional regulation, self-identity, and overall functioning, using qualitative methods.

Background and Rationale

  • Mental health issues among children and adolescents have been rising globally, leading to increased school absence and poor academic achievement.
  • There is a recognized need for holistic treatment approaches beyond traditional medical interventions to support young individuals facing these challenges.
  • Equine-assisted intervention (EAI), which involves therapeutic interactions with horses, has emerged as one such complementary approach, but more research is needed to understand its effects from the perspective of families.

Study Objective

  • The main goal was to gain insight into the perceived outcomes of EAI on children and adolescents with mental illness, as reported by their parents and close relatives.
  • The study aimed to develop a theoretical understanding of how EAI contributes to changes in the child or adolescent’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Methodology

  • A qualitative research design was employed, specifically using Charmaz’s Grounded Theory approach, which is suited for developing theory based on participants’ experiences.
  • Participants were purposively sampled and consisted of six in-depth interviews with parents and close relatives of children who had participated in EAI programs.
  • The collected interview data were systematically analyzed to identify key themes and constructs related to the intervention outcomes.

Key Findings and Developed Theory

  • The researchers constructed a grounded theory, termed “Building up bit by bit,” which captures how children and adolescents gradually develop stronger self-identity and emotional regulation through EAI.
  • Parents and relatives reported noticeable changes in the children’s or adolescents’ behavior and emotional responses, described as building blocks that together enhance:
    • Harmony: Improvements in emotional balance and everyday functioning.
    • Self-identity: Development of a stronger, more positive sense of self.
    • Capability: Enhanced ability to cope with challenges and better performance in daily tasks.
  • The intervention helped the children and adolescents “gain a stronger foundation to stand on,” implying increased stability and resilience.

Implications

  • Parents observed that their children showed stronger self-worth, better emotional regulation, and fewer absences from school following EAI.
  • The findings suggest that EAI can be a valuable complementary intervention for young people with mental health difficulties, contributing to holistic treatment strategies.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering family perspectives when evaluating therapeutic outcomes for children and adolescents.

Conclusion

  • The research provides theoretical and practical insights into how equine-assisted interventions may help children and adolescents with mental health problems gradually build emotional strength, identity, and daily functioning.
  • This “building up bit by bit” process points to incremental yet meaningful improvements experienced in harmony, self-identity, and capability from the viewpoint of parents and close relatives.

Cite This Article

APA
Carlsson IM, Bräutigam Ewe M, Nymberg P, Jormfeldt H. (2024). Building up bit by bit, parent’s experiences of equine-assisted intervention among children and adolescents with mental illness: a grounded theory study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being, 19(1), 2354945. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2354945

Publication

International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being
ISSN: 1748-2631
NlmUniqueID: 101256506
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Pages: 2354945
PII: 2354945

Researcher Affiliations

Carlsson, Ing-Marie
  • School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
Bräutigam Ewe, Marie
  • School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
Nymberg, Peter
  • School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
  • Center for Primary Health Care Research, Region Skåne: Helsingborg/Malmö, Skåne, Sweden.
Jormfeldt, Henrika
  • School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Male
  • Female
  • Equine-Assisted Therapy
  • Qualitative Research
  • Grounded Theory
  • Parents / psychology
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Self Concept
  • Adult
  • Mental Health

Conflict of Interest Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Derelioğlu M, Vural M, Çimen E, Saki Ü, Yağız Saraçoğlu Y, Karataş B, Saç A, Yamaner E, Halmatov M, Yılmaz C, Öztaş M, Arıkan G, Ceylan L. Exploring how cognitive-behavioral physical activity links ruminative thinking and mental wellbeing in sports high school adolescents.. Front Psychol 2025;16:1665882.
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