Narrative synthesis of equine-assisted psychotherapy literature: Current knowledge and future research directions.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a mental health treatment approach using horses, and its effectiveness and research needs are examined in this article. It analyzes past EAP research and concludes that initial evidence suggests it may positively affect adolescent communication skills and emotional, social, and behavioral functioning.

Research Overview

• The study takes a closer look at the use of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) as a treatment for mental health disorders. It is a holistic approach that engages patients in therapeutic activities with horses.
• The researchers conducted a detailed review of the literature available on the subject, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative empirical research.
• This in-depth analysis included not only peer-reviewed journal articles but also research findings from master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.

Selection of Studies

• Out of numerous research sources, the authors chosen 24 studies conducted between 2005 and 2013 for a more detailed analysis. This means that the study also considers the evolution of EAP over time.
• The selection includes four peer-reviewed journal articles and twenty master’s theses or doctoral dissertations. This ensures a wide range of viewpoints and methodologies are considered in the study.

Findings

• The analysis of the qualitative research showed preliminary evidence suggesting that EAP has the potential to significantly improve adolescents’ communication and relationship skills.
• On the other hand, the research also highlighted that experimental and quasi-experimental studies provide preliminary evidence about the value of EAP in enhancing emotional, social, and behavioural functioning among children and adolescents.

Constraints and Recommendations

• Despite the promising initial findings, this review also pointed out that conclusions regarding the effectiveness of EAP should remain preliminary until further research is conducted. This is due to various methodological limitations observed in the studies reviewed.
• The review concludes by stressing the need for additional robust, methodologically sound studies in the future to confirm and build upon these preliminary findings. It emphasizes the importance of developing a standardized approach to evaluating the efficacy of EAP to promote more reliable and valid outcomes.