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A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes
Citation
Kendall, E and Maujean, A and Pepping, CA and Downes, M and Lakhani, A and Byrne, JA and Macfarlane, K, A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes, European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling, 17, (1) pp. 57-79. ISSN 1364-2537 (2015) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2015 Taylor & Francis
DOI: doi:10.1080/13642537.2014.996169
Abstract
Much research attests to the beneficial effects of equine interventions on physical development and ability. However, less is known about the possible psychological benefits of horse activities, such as therapeutic riding or interactions with horses. Although there is public consensus that horses can have psychological benefits, it is an under-researched area and conclusions are largely based on anecdotal data. The little empirical evidence that is available about the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes tends to be mixed and is often difficult to interpret due to the lack of rigorous research designs. The purpose of this review was to examine the current state of the literature regarding the psychological
effects of equine-assisted interventions, and to make recommendations for future research. Findings from this review suggest that equine-assisted interventions hold much promise, particularly in terms of child/adolescent social and behavioural issues, and perhaps adult affective disorders. However, the current state of the literature does not allow us to definitively conclude that equine-assisted interventions are efficacious. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are greatly needed in this area, as it is an appreciation of the need to standardise and document equine-assisted interventions and outcomes in future research.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | therapeutic riding, equine therapy, therapeutic intervention, psychological well-being, systematic review |
Research Division: | Psychology |
Research Group: | Applied and developmental psychology |
Research Field: | Applied and developmental psychology not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in psychology |
UTAS Author: | Byrne, JA (Professor Jason Byrne) |
ID Code: | 123955 |
Year Published: | 2015 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 38 |
Deposited By: | Geography and Spatial Science |
Deposited On: | 2018-02-02 |
Last Modified: | 2018-04-10 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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