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Health & social care in the community2007; 15(3); 265-271; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00684.x

Equine-assisted psychotherapy: a mental health promotion/intervention modality for children who have experienced intra-family violence.

Abstract: Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of psychotherapy using the horse as a therapeutic tool. This modality is designed to address self-esteem and personal confidence, communication and interpersonal effectiveness, trust, boundaries and limit-setting, and group cohesion. Substantial numbers of children witness family violence. There is evidence that violence between parents has adverse effects on the children in the family. These children are at greater risk of behavioural problems and mental health disorders, including anxiety, anger, depression and suicidal ideations, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The purpose of the present pilot study was to test the efficacy of EAP in a cross-sectional group of children referred to a psychotherapist for various childhood behavioural and mental health issues over an 18-month period (June 2003-January 2005). Sixty-three children received a mean number of 19 EAP sessions. Scores on the Children's Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale were determined pre- and post-treatment. The mean (+/- standard deviation, SD) pretreatment score was 54.1 (SD 3.2) and post treatment mean score was 61.7 +/- 5.0 (t = 9.06, d.f. = 96, P < 0.001). All children showed improvement in GAF scores, and there was a statistically significant correlation between the percentage improvement in the GAF scores and the number of sessions given (r = 0.73, P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the greatest improvement in the GAF scores occurred in the youngest of the subjects. Children in the group who had a history of physical abuse and neglect had a statistically significant greater percentage improvement in GAF scores after treatment than those who did not have a history of abuse and neglect. This study has demonstrated a quick response to EAP, especially in younger children, but it remains to be determined what kind of long-term effects this type of intervention may provide.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-21 PubMed ID: 17444990DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00684.xGoogle 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.

This research studied the use of equine-assisted psychotherapy (therapy involving horses) in helping children who have experienced intra-family violence, and found that it has a positive impact on their mental and behavioral issues.

Introduction to Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of therapy that uses horses as part of the healing process. It focuses on fostering self-esteem and confidence, encouraging effective communication, teaching about trust and boundaries, and promoting group cohesion.

The research is centered on children who have been exposed to family violence – a situation that often leads to behavioral issues and mental health disorders. These can include a wide range of conditions from anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, to withdrawal and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Purpose and Methodology of the Study

  • The purpose of the pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of EAP on such children, over an 18-month period from June 2003 to January 2005.
  • 63 children participated in this research, each receiving an average of 19 EAP sessions.
  • Measurement of the effectiveness of therapy was done through the Children’s Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale, both before and after treatment.

Results and Findings

  • There was an overall improvement in GAF scores of children post the EAP sessions. The mean pretreatment score was 54.1 and the post-treatment mean score was 61.7. This indicated a significant improvement.
  • There was a statistically significant relationship between the improvement in GAF scores and the number of EAP sessions (r = 0.73, P = 0.001), providing closer evidence of EAP’s effectiveness.
  • Analysis showed that the most improved scores were found in the youngest participants.
  • Additionally, children who had experienced physical abuse and neglect showed a greater percentage improvement in their GAF scores than those who hadn’t.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a prompt positive response to EAP, particularly in younger children. However, the research suggests that further enquiry is required to understand the long-term effects of this type of intervention.

Cite This Article

APA
Schultz PN, Remick-Barlow GA, Robbins L. (2007). Equine-assisted psychotherapy: a mental health promotion/intervention modality for children who have experienced intra-family violence. Health Soc Care Community, 15(3), 265-271. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00684.x

Publication

Health & social care in the community
ISSN: 0966-0410
NlmUniqueID: 9306359
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Pages: 265-271

Researcher Affiliations

Schultz, Pamela N
  • New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA. pschultz@nmsu.edu
Remick-Barlow, G Ann
    Robbins, Leslie

      MeSH Terms

      • Adolescent
      • Animals
      • Child
      • Cross-Sectional Studies
      • Domestic Violence / psychology
      • Female
      • Horses
      • Humans
      • Male
      • Mental Disorders / therapy
      • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
      • Psychotherapy / methods

      Citations

      This article has been cited 23 times.
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