Date of Paper
5-2016
Type of Paper
Clinical research paper
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Colin Hollidge
Department/School
Social Work
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review is to review the research that looks at the efficacy of Equine Therapy as it pertains to working with children who have experienced trauma, and the effectiveness of building and repairing relationships. Trauma is recognized as having a devastating impact on the body and the mind of children. Equine therapy is an alternative, newer technique being utilized to help repair the attachment process with this population. The review examined dissertations, meta-analyses, program evaluations studies, exploration studies and journal articles. All participants in the studies had experienced trauma as a child. Initially 40 articles abstracts were reviewed; 18 were excluded and 22 met inclusion criteria. The full texts of these articles were then reviewed. After this review only 9 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this systematic review. All articles found positive aspects in working with horses and concluded children and adolescents gained skills. With these skills, children and adolescents are able to overcome effects of early trauma and stress related disorders.
Recommended Citation
Phenow, Autumn. (2016). Implications of Equine Therapy Utilized with Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Systematic Review. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/msw_papers/655