Hästunderstödd terapi - en hälsofrämjande rehabiliteringsmetod vid psykisk ohälsa
Hambert, M. Degree project in social work.
Malmö University: Faculty of health and society, Department of social work, 2014.
Equine assisted therapy is for many a yet unknown form of rehabilitation. In the current situation there is a lack of documented research on horses' involvement in rehabilitation and social work. Studies show that animals, and especially horses, can have a positive impact on human well-being, both physically and mentally.
The focus of this study is to investigate whether equine assisted therapy can be used as a health-promotion rehabilitation method for people suffering from anxiety-related disorders such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, eating disorders and anxiety.
My aim with this study was to investigate whether rehabilitation method with horses could result in improved mental health. I used semi-structured interviews of certificated therapists who work with equine assisted therapy. I also made a minor literature study to find out what previous research said on the subject.
The results of this studies show, among other things, that horses with theirs
specific properties are suitable for use in rehabilitation. Horses can bring calm and harmony to the rehabilitation; show the reflection of a person's inner thoughts and emotions, promote social relationships as well as increase self-confidence etc. The study's results imply that equine assisted therapy is a well-functioning rehabilitation project for people affected by mental illness caused by anxiety-related disorders.