The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life

Madison Collins; Victoria Courtright; Mary Casilio; Caleigh Haskiell; Elizabeth Kaspala; Jillian Shelton; Cathy Shanholtz; Daniel Martin

doi:doi:10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life

Madison Collins, Victoria Courtright, Mary Casilio, Caleigh Haskiell, Elizabeth Kaspala, Jillian Shelton, Cathy Shanholtz, Daniel Martin

Published in Rehabilitation Science (Volume 8, Issue 2)

Received: 31 May 2023 Accepted: 16 June 2023 Published: 27 June 2023

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.

Published in	Rehabilitation Science (Volume 8, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
Page(s)	30-38
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Equine-Assisted Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychosocial, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Quality of Life, Self-Confidence, Therapeutic Riding

References

[1]	Buzel, A. H. (2016). Beyond words: The healing power of horses: Bridging the worlds of equine assisted therapy and psychotherapy. United Kingdom. AuthorHouse.
[2]	White-Lewis, S. (2019). Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis. Nursing Open, 7 (1). https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.377
[3]	Stolz, I., Anneken, V., & Froböse, I. (2022). Measuring equine-assisted therapy: Validation and confirmatory factor analysis of an ICF-based standardized assessment-tool. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (5), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052738
[4]	Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International [PATH]. (2022). Fact Sheet 2020. Retrieved from https://pathintl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PATH-facts-2022.pdf
[5]	Post, M. (2014). Definitions of quality of life: What has happened and how to move on. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 20 (3), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2003-167
[6]	Burgon, H. L., Gammage, D., & Hebden, J. (2018). Hoofbeats and heartbeats: Equine-assisted therapy and learning with young people with psychosocial issues–Theory and practice. Journal of Social Work Practice, 32 (1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2017.1300878
[7]	Fuerruolo, D. (2016). Psychosocial Equine Program for Veterans. Social Work, 61 (1), 53–60. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swv054
[8]	Hauge, H., Kvalem, I. L., Berget, B., Enders-Slegers, M. J., & Braastad, B. O. (2014). Equine-assisted activities and the impact on perceived social support, self-esteem and self-efficacy among adolescents - An intervention study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 19 (1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2013.779587
[9]	Pálsdóttir, A. M., Gudmundsson, M., & Grahn, P. (2020). Equine-assisted intervention to improve perceived value of everyday occupations and quality of life in people with lifelong neurological disorders: A prospective controlled study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072431
[10]	Staudt, M., & Cherry, D. (2017). Equine facilitated therapy and trauma: Current knowledge, future needs. Advances in Social Work, 18 (1). DOI: 10.18060/21292.
[11]	Naste, T., Price, M., Karol, J., Martin, L., Murphy, K., Miguel, J., & Spinazzola, J. (2018). Equine facilitated therapy for complex trauma (EFT-CT). Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 11 (3), 289-303. DOI: 10.1007/s40653-017-0187-3.
[12]	Kovács, G., van Dijke, A., & Enders-Slegers, M. J. (2020). Psychodynamic based equine-assisted psychotherapy in adults with intertwined personality problems and traumatization: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (5661). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165661.
[13]	Arnon, S., Fisher, P. W., Pickover, A., Lowell, A., Turner, J. B., Hilburn, A., Jacob-McVey, J., Malajian, B. E., Farber, D. G., Hamilton, J. F., Hamilton, A., Markowitz, J. C., & Neria, Y. (2020). Equine-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD: Manual development and preliminary findings. Military Medicine, 185 (5-6), 564. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz444
[14]	Earles, J. L., Vernon, L. L., & Yetz, J. P. (2015). Equine-assisted therapy for anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28 (2), 149-152.
[15]	Lanning, B., Wilson, A., Krenek, N., & Beaujean, A. (2017). Using therapeutic riding as an intervention for combat veterans: An international classification of functioning, disability, and health (IFC) approach. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 33 (3), 259-278. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2017.1283282
[16]	Shelef, A., Brafman, D., Rosing, T., Weizman, A., Stryjer, R., & Barak, Y. (2019). Equine assisted therapy for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: A case series study. Military Medicine, 184 (9-10), 394–399. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz036
[17]	Ohtani, N., Kitagawa, K., Mikami, K., Kitawaki, K., Akiyama, J., Fuchikami, M., Uchiyama, H., & Ohta, M. (2017). Horseback riding improves the ability to cause the appropriate action (go reaction) and the appropriate self-control (no-go reaction) in children. Frontiers in Public Health, 5 (8). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00008
[18]	Yoo, J. H., Oh, Y., Jang, B., Song, J., Kim, J., Kim, S., Lee, J., Shin, H. Y., Kwon, J. Y., Kim, Y. H., Jeong, B., & Joung, Y. S. (2016). The effects of equine-assisted activities and therapy on resting-state brain function in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A pilot study. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience: The Official Scientific Journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 14 (4), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2016.14.4.357
[19]	Sissons, J. H., Blakemore, E., Shafi, H., Skotny, N., & Lloyd, D. M. (2022). Calm with horses? A systematic review of animal-assisted interventions for improving social functioning in children with autism. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 26 (6), 1320-1340. DOI: 10.1177/13623613221085338.
[20]	Zhao, M., Chen, S., You, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Effects of a therapeutic horseback riding program on social interaction and communication in children with autism. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (5), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052656
[21]	Trzmiel, T., Purandare, B., Michalak, M., Zasadzka, E., & Pawlaczyk, M. (2019). Equine assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 104-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.004
[22]	Llambias, C., Magill-Evans, J., Smith, V., & Warren, S. (2016). Equine-assisted occupational therapy: Increasing engagement for children with autism spectrum disorder. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70 (6). http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.020701
[23]	Srinivasan, S. M., Cavagnino, D. T., & Bhat, A. N. (2018). Effects of equine therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 5 (2). DOI: 10.1007/s40489-018-0130-z.
[24]	Yotchukiat, S., Pongsaksri, M., & Peansu, S. (2016). Effects of equine assisted therapy on response reaction time and attention span of youth with autistic spectrum disorder. International Journal of Child Development and Mental Health, 4 (1), 38–48.
[25]	Heffernan, K. (2017). The effect of an equine assisted therapy (EAT) programme on children’s occupational performance – A pilot study. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45 (1), 28-39. DOI: 10.1108/IJOT-02-2017-0005.
[26]	Schober, P., Boer, C., & Schwarte, L. A. (2018). Correlation coefficients: Appropriate use and interpretation. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 126 (5), 1763–1768. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000002864
[27]	Creswell, J. W. (2007). Five qualitative approaches to inquiry. In J. W. Cresswell (Eds.), Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. (pp.53-84). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
[28]	Villarroel, M. A., & Terlizzi, E. P. (2020). Symptoms of depression among adults: United States, 2019. NCHS data brief, (379), 1–8. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db379.htm

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Madison Collins, Victoria Courtright, Mary Casilio, Caleigh Haskiell, Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. (2023). The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabilitation Science, 8(2), 30-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Madison Collins; Victoria Courtright; Mary Casilio; Caleigh Haskiell; Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabil. Sci. 2023, 8(2), 30-38. doi: 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Madison Collins, Victoria Courtright, Mary Casilio, Caleigh Haskiell, Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabil Sci. 2023;8(2):30-38. doi: 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13,
  author = {Madison Collins and Victoria Courtright and Mary Casilio and Caleigh Haskiell and Elizabeth Kaspala and Jillian Shelton and Cathy Shanholtz and Daniel Martin},
  title = {The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life},
  journal = {Rehabilitation Science},
  volume = {8},
  number = {2},
  pages = {30-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rs.20230802.13},
  abstract = {A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life
AU  - Madison Collins
AU  - Victoria Courtright
AU  - Mary Casilio
AU  - Caleigh Haskiell
AU  - Elizabeth Kaspala
AU  - Jillian Shelton
AU  - Cathy Shanholtz
AU  - Daniel Martin
Y1  - 2023/06/27
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
T2  - Rehabilitation Science
JF  - Rehabilitation Science
JO  - Rehabilitation Science
SP  - 30
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-594X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
AB  - A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.
VL  - 8
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Madison Collins

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Victoria Courtright

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Mary Casilio

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Caleigh Haskiell

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Elizabeth Kaspala

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Jillian Shelton

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Cathy Shanholtz

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA
Daniel Martin

Division of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, USA

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Madison Collins, Victoria Courtright, Mary Casilio, Caleigh Haskiell, Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. (2023). The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabilitation Science, 8(2), 30-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Madison Collins; Victoria Courtright; Mary Casilio; Caleigh Haskiell; Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabil. Sci. 2023, 8(2), 30-38. doi: 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Madison Collins, Victoria Courtright, Mary Casilio, Caleigh Haskiell, Elizabeth Kaspala, et al. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life. Rehabil Sci. 2023;8(2):30-38. doi: 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13,
  author = {Madison Collins and Victoria Courtright and Mary Casilio and Caleigh Haskiell and Elizabeth Kaspala and Jillian Shelton and Cathy Shanholtz and Daniel Martin},
  title = {The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life},
  journal = {Rehabilitation Science},
  volume = {8},
  number = {2},
  pages = {30-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rs.20230802.13},
  abstract = {A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life
AU  - Madison Collins
AU  - Victoria Courtright
AU  - Mary Casilio
AU  - Caleigh Haskiell
AU  - Elizabeth Kaspala
AU  - Jillian Shelton
AU  - Cathy Shanholtz
AU  - Daniel Martin
Y1  - 2023/06/27
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
T2  - Rehabilitation Science
JF  - Rehabilitation Science
JO  - Rehabilitation Science
SP  - 30
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-594X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rs.20230802.13
AB  - A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.
VL  - 8
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download