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Journal of traumatic stress2015; 28(2); 149-152; doi: 10.1002/jts.21990

Equine-assisted therapy for anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Abstract: We tested the efficacy of the Equine Partnering Naturally(©) approach to equine-assisted therapy for treating anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Participants were 16 volunteers who had experienced a Criterion A traumatic event, such as a rape or serious accident, and had current PTSD symptoms above 31 on the PTSD Checklist (PCL-S; Weathers, Litz, Herman, Huska, & Keane, ). Participants engaged in tasks with horses for 6 weekly 2-hour sessions. Immediately following the final session, participants reported significantly reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms, d = 1.21, less severe emotional responses to trauma, d = 0.60, less generalized anxiety, d = 1.01, and fewer symptoms of depression, d = 0.54. As well, participants significantly increased mindfulness strategies, d = 1.28, and decreased alcohol use, d = 0.58. There was no significant effect of the treatment on physical health, proactive coping, self-efficacy, social support, or life satisfaction. Thus, we found evidence that the Equine Partnering Naturally(©) approach to equine-assisted therapy may be an effective treatment for anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Future research should include larger groups, random assignment, and longer term follow-up.
Copyright © 2015 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
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Publication Date: 2015-03-17 PubMed ID: 25782709DOI: 10.1002/jts.21990Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 effectiveness of the Equine Partnering Naturally© approach of equine-assisted therapy in treating symptoms of anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study found this approach to be significantly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, emotional responses to trauma, generalized anxiety, and depression, while increasing mindfulness strategies.

Experimental Design and Participants

  • The study participants were 16 volunteers who had experienced a traumatic event that satisfies Criterion A for PTSD diagnosis, such as rape or a serious accident.
  • These participants reported having current PTSD symptoms above 31 on the PTSD Checklist (PCL-S).
  • Each participant engaged with horses for 6 weekly sessions, each session lasting 2 hours.

Outcomes Measurement

  • Outcomes were measured immediately following the final therapy session. The study measured several outcomes related to mental health, coping mechanisms, and lifestyle behaviors.
  • The severity of participants’ PTSD symptoms, emotional responses to trauma, generalized anxiety, and depression were assessed. The use of mindfulness strategies and the volume of alcohol consumed were also assessed.
  • The researchers used the d-value in statistical analysis – a metric used in psychology to measure effect size or the degree of change caused by an experimental intervention.

Study Findings

  • The results showed a significant decrease in posttraumatic stress symptoms (d = 1.21) and less severe emotional responses to trauma (d = 0.60).
  • There was a decrease in generalized anxiety (d = 1.01) and depression symptoms (d = 0.54).
  • The research also recorded an increase in the use of mindfulness strategies (d = 1.28) and a decrease in alcohol consumption (d = 0.58).
  • No significant changes were observed in physical health, proactive coping, self-efficacy, social support, or life satisfaction.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • Based on the findings, the study concluded that the Equine Partnering Naturally© approach to equine-assisted therapy may be an effective treatment for anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms.
  • However, the researchers recommend future studies with larger participant groups, the implementation of random assignment, and a longer follow-up period to validate these findings and potentially uncover long-term treatment outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Earles JL, Vernon LL, Yetz JP. (2015). Equine-assisted therapy for anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms. J Trauma Stress, 28(2), 149-152. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21990

Publication

Journal of traumatic stress
ISSN: 1573-6598
NlmUniqueID: 8809259
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 2
Pages: 149-152

Researcher Affiliations

Earles, Julie L
  • Department of Psychology, Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA.
Vernon, Laura L
    Yetz, Jeanne P

      MeSH Terms

      • Adult
      • Anxiety / therapy
      • Equine-Assisted Therapy / methods
      • Female
      • Humans
      • Male
      • Middle Aged
      • Mindfulness
      • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy

      Citations

      This article has been cited 32 times.
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