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Home / Equine Research Bank / Clin Soc Work J / Triads in Equine-Assisted Social Work Enhance Therapeutic Re...
Clinical social work journal2016; 45(4); 320-331; doi: 10.1007/s10615-016-0613-2

Triads in Equine-Assisted Social Work Enhance Therapeutic Relationships with Self-Harming Adolescents.

Abstract: Despite an increasing number of studies, there is still a lack of knowledge about the unique features that underlie the process in equine assisted social work (EASW). This study aimed to reveal, through qualitative methods, the dyads within the triad that become stronger during the process of EASW, as well as the effect of the participation of the horse on the relationship between the counselor and client. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine female self-harming clients aged 15-21 years and eight staff members. The interviews, together with video-recorded human-horse interactions with three staff members and four clients were analyzed, resulting in additional issues answered by these three staff members and four clients in a second interview. Critical dialogues between patterns and fragmentations in the narratives and video-recordings, as well as a dialogue with the participants while they were viewing videos of their own EASW sessions, led to the conclusion that adding a horse qualitatively changes therapeutic relationships in EASW. The different triads consist of different liaisons between actors in the triad, giving rise to unique combinations. The quality of the relationships depends on both the staff and the clients' attachment orientations. Further research is needed to investigate how the degree of emotional connection to the horse affects the impact that horses have on triads in EASW.
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Publication Date: 2016-11-16 PubMed ID: 29187767PubMed Central: PMC5684297DOI: 10.1007/s10615-016-0613-2Google 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.

The research explores how the inclusion of horses in social work therapy (Equine Assisted Social Work or EASW) enhances the treatment relationship for self-harming adolescents. It looks into the triadic relationships (horse-therapist-client) and elucidates how individual connections within the triad are strengthened through EASW.

Objective of The Study

  • The study aimed to shed light on the unique elements and strengthened relationships within the triad (horse, therapist, client) that occur during Equine Assisted Social Work (EASW).
  • Additionally, it sought to understand how the inclusion of a horse in the treatment process impacts the therapist-client relationship.

Methodology of The Study

  • Data was collected through comprehensive interviews with nine female self-harming clients aged 15-21 years, and eight staff members involved in providing therapy.
  • The study also included analysis of video recorded human-horse interactions involving three staff members and four clients. This video data provided a rich source of additional insights, prompting a second round of interviews with the three staff members and four clients.

Findings of The Study

  • The study found that including a horse in therapy significantly alters the dynamics of therapeutic relationships in EASW.
  • Various triads form unique combinations of liaisons between the participants of the triad: the horse, the therapist and the client.
  • The quality of the relationships within the triad heavily depend on the personal attachment orientations of both the staff and clients. The more emotionally connected the therapist and client are to the horse, the stronger the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion and Suggestions for Future Research

  • The study proposes further inquiries into how the emotional connection to the horse from both the therapist and client influences the horse’s impact on therapy.

Cite This Article

APA
Carlsson C. (2016). Triads in Equine-Assisted Social Work Enhance Therapeutic Relationships with Self-Harming Adolescents. Clin Soc Work J, 45(4), 320-331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-016-0613-2

Publication

Clinical social work journal
ISSN: 0091-1674
NlmUniqueID: 0365260
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 4
Pages: 320-331

Researcher Affiliations

Carlsson, Catharina
  • Department of Social Work, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden.

Conflict of Interest Statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: There are no conflicts of interest to declare. DISCLOSURES: The study design was approved by the regional Ethical Review Board in Linköping, Sweden (Dnr 2011/264-31, Dnr 31-8051/11). All study participants provided informed consent. The study has been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

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