Experiences of a Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Group Intervention for People with Common Mental Disorders on Sick-Leave.

Research Overview

• This study explores how a therapeutic equine-assisted group intervention impacts people with common mental disorders who are on sick leave, focusing on their personal experiences and recovery process.

Background and Rationale

• Common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders are on the rise globally.
• These conditions often lead to long-term sick leave and reduce quality of life.
• Conventional treatments sometimes fall short in supporting full recovery.
• There is a recognized need for more holistic and supportive interventions that facilitate recovery.
• Equine-assisted interventions (interactions involving horses) have shown promising health benefits for people with mental disorders.
• Further research is necessary to understand how to effectively integrate these interventions into standard healthcare options.

Aim of the Study

• To describe the experiences of individuals with common mental disorders who participated in a group equine-assisted therapeutic intervention while on sick leave.

Methodology

• Design: Descriptive qualitative study with an inductive approach, meaning findings emerged from participants’ accounts rather than preconceived hypotheses.
• Participants: Ten individuals diagnosed with common mental disorders and currently on sick leave.
• Intervention: A 12-week equine-assisted group program where participants engaged with horses as part of their therapy.
• Data Collection: In-depth interviews conducted after intervention completion, focusing on participants’ personal experiences.
• Data Analysis: Conventional content analysis was used to identify common themes and categories from the interview transcripts.

Key Findings

• The overarching theme identified was “The equine-assisted group intervention facilitates recovery.”
• Four main categories emerged from participants’ descriptions:
• The environment of the horses contributes to relaxation and an ability to be in the present: Being around horses created a calming atmosphere that helped participants focus on the current moment, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
• The presence of the horses facilitates supportive relationships in the group: Horses acted as a bonding medium, encouraging positive social interactions and support between group members.
• Interplay with the horses entails physical activity and bodily improvements: Engaging physically with horses promoted bodily awareness, movement, and overall physical well-being.
• Emotional interactions with the horses strengthen inner power: Participants experienced emotional growth and empowerment through their connections with the horses, which supported their sense of resilience and self-confidence.

Conclusions and Implications

• Equine-assisted interventions show promise as a holistic therapeutic approach for people with common mental disorders on sick leave.
• The intervention fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and present-moment awareness, which are beneficial for mental health recovery.
• Horses serve as facilitators for cultivating supportive social connections within the therapy group.
• Physical interaction with horses provides bodily benefits and encourages active engagement, which can contribute to improved overall health.
• Emotional exchanges with the horses help participants develop inner strength and coping abilities, supporting mental resilience.
• These findings suggest that integrating equine-assisted therapies into mental health care could enhance recovery outcomes, but further research and implementation strategies are necessary.