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Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)2022; 10(8); 1564; doi: 10.3390/healthcare10081564

The Effect of Equine Assisted Learning on Improving Stress, Health, and Coping among Quarantine Control Workers in South Korea.

Abstract: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Avian Influenza (AI) frequently occur in South Korea, resulting in high levels of occupational stress among quarantine workers forced to partake in massive livestock killings. This study explored the usefulness of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) in improving these workers' psychological and emotional functioning. A total of 51 FMD/AI control workers participated in 16 sessions of an EAL program facilitated by therapeutic riding professionals and trained horses. Results showed significant changes in their stress level, coping style, and overall quality of life-related to health, most notably increased vitality, enhanced emotional and social functioning, greater problem-solving, and less social avoidance after EAL participation. The usefulness of equine-assisted activities and the association between more significant stress coping ability and improved functioning in various areas of life are consistent with previous research findings. Implications for EAL application are discussed.
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Publication Date: 2022-08-18 PubMed ID: 36011221PubMed Central: PMC9407784DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081564Google 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 examines how Equine Assisted Learning, or working with therapy horses, can help quarantine workers in South Korea who deal with foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza – both sources of significant stress. The study observed positive psychological and emotional benefits.

Introduction and Study Background

  • This study was conducted against a backdrop of frequent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks in South Korea. These outbreaks necessitate the killing of vast numbers of livestock, placing significant emotional and psychological stress on the quarantine control workers involved.
  • To combat this stress and improve employees’ overall psychological functioning and quality of life, the investigators explored the potential usefulness of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). This therapeutic strategy involves interacting with horses under the guidance of qualified therapeutic riding professionals.

Methodology

  • The researchers enlisted 51 FMD/AI control workers to participate in 16 sessions of an EAL program. Over these sessions, participants interacted with trained therapy horses under professional supervision.

Results and Findings

  • The results showed significant improvements in the occupational stress levels, coping style, and health-related quality of life of the workers, following their participation in the EAL program.
  • Tangible improvements were observed in areas such as increased vitality, enhanced emotional and social functioning, more effective problem-solving skills, and decreased tendencies for social avoidance.
  • The observed correlation between better stress coping ability and overall functional improvement in various life areas aligns with findings from previous studies.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The positive outcomes of this study reinforce the practical utility of equine-assisted activities in stress management and psychological healing, particularly in high-stress occupations such as quarantine control work.
  • The researchers conclude by discussing the potential applications of EAL in this context and how such an approach may be leveraged to further support the mental health of quarantine workers in the future.

Cite This Article

APA
Jung T, Park H, Kwon JY, Sohn S. (2022). The Effect of Equine Assisted Learning on Improving Stress, Health, and Coping among Quarantine Control Workers in South Korea. Healthcare (Basel), 10(8), 1564. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081564

Publication

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2227-9032
NlmUniqueID: 101666525
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
PII: 1564

Researcher Affiliations

Jung, Taewoon
  • Department of Physical Education, Yongin University, Yongin 17092, Korea.
Park, Hyoungjin
  • Department of Physical Education, Humanities & Arts, Korea Science Academy of KAIST, Busan 47162, Korea.
Kwon, Jeong-Yi
  • Department of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea.
Sohn, Sunju
  • Department of Social Welfare, Cheongju University, Cheongju 28503, Korea.

Grant Funding

  • The Effect of Equine Assisted Learning on Improving Stress, Health, and Coping Among Quar-antine Control Workers in South Korea / Korea Racing Authority

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Sivagurunathan R, Senathirajah ARBS, Sivagurunathan L, Arokiasamy L, Qazi S, Haque R, Su Y. Equine-assisted learning and leadership transformation: an exploratory qualitative study of workplace behavior. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1700029.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1700029pubmed: 41378260google scholar: lookup
  2. Park H, Jung T. The Effects of Equine-Assisted Learning on Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2024 Jan 25;12(3).
    doi: 10.3390/healthcare12030311pubmed: 38338198google scholar: lookup
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