Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: This pilot study examined a brief psychological intervention using horses as a therapeutic tool to improve levels of self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and facilitate the development of life skills in a group of disengaged youths (n = 16). Participants and their case managers were interviewed after completion of the program to explore their responses to the intervention. Interview transcripts were coded to identify participants’ experiences and outcomes. Five themes emerged from these interviews, namely, (a) enjoyment, (b) psychological and social benefits, (c) engagement, (d) transferrable skills, and (e) mechanisms of change. The findings of this study indicate that this type of intervention may provide a viable option for youths who are disengaged from school and/or the community and who have not responded to traditional interventions.
Source: Journal of Community Psychology
DOI: 10.1002/jcop.21547
Institutions: Griffith University, Youth & Family Services
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1904136771