Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

Karina Shasri Anastasya; Indra Gazali Syamsuddin; Meutia Atika Faradilla; Zefanya; Andira Larasari; Daniella Satyasari; Yohana; Endrico Xavierees Tungka; Patricia Liman; Yuliana; Ali Fathi Assegaf; Reza Ramadhan Surya; Eris Sapari; Afif Aminurrohman; Ikhlas Arief Imawan

doi:doi:10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

Karina Shasri Anastasya^*, Indra Gazali Syamsuddin, Meutia Atika Faradilla, Zefanya, Andira Larasari, Daniella Satyasari, Yohana, Endrico Xavierees Tungka, Patricia Liman, Yuliana, Ali Fathi Assegaf, Reza Ramadhan Surya, Eris Sapari, Afif Aminurrohman, Ikhlas Arief Imawan

Published in Research & Development (Volume 5, Issue 1)

Received: 1 February 2024 Accepted: 26 February 2024 Published: 7 March 2024

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Abstract

The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

Published in	Research & Development (Volume 5, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
Page(s)	40-43
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), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Equene, Psychotherapy, Therapy, Mental Health

References

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[2]	Grimm EJ. Non-traditional therapeutic interventions for at-risk youth & students with complex support needs: Equine therapy. Dissertation, Duquesne University, 2015.
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[4]	Ekholm Fry N. Welfare considerations for horses in therapy and education services. In: The Welfare of Animals in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Foundations and Best Practice Methods. Springer, 2021, pp. 219–242.
[5]	Johnson RA, Albright DL, Marzolf JR, et al. Effects of therapeutic horseback riding on post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. Mil Med Res 2018; 5: 1–13.
[6]	Marchand WR, Andersen SJ, Smith JE, et al. Equine-assisted activities and therapies for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: current state, challenges and future directions. Chronic Stress 2021; 5: 2470547021991556.
[7]	Notgrass CG, Pettinelli JD. Equine assisted psychotherapy: The equine assisted growth and learning association’s model overview of equine-based modalities. Journal of Experiential Education 2015; 38: 162–174.
[8]	Johns L, Bobat S, Holder J. Therapist experiences of equine-assisted psychotherapy in South Africa: A qualitative study. Journal of psychology in Africa 2016; 26: 199–203.
[9]	Luhmann M, Kalitzki A. How animals contribute to subjective well-being: A comprehensive model of protective and risk factors. J Posit Psychol 2018; 13: 200–214.
[10]	Bennett B, Woodman E. The potential of equine-assisted psychotherapy for treating trauma in Australian Aboriginal peoples. The British Journal of Social Work 2019; 49: 1041–1058.
[11]	Vincent A, Farkas KJ. Application of attachement theory to equine-facilitated therapy. Society Register 2017; 1: 7–22.
[12]	Nelson XJ, Taylor AH, Cartmill EA, et al. Joyful by nature: approaches to investigate the evolution and function of joy in non-human animals. Biological Reviews.
[13]	Fennig MW, Weber E, Santos B, et al. Animal-assisted therapy in eating disorder treatment: A systematic review. Eat Behav 2022; 101673.
[14]	Li J, Sánchez-García R. Equine-assisted interventions for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14: 1277338.
[15]	Kovács G, van Dijke A, Enders-Slegers M-J. Psychodynamic based equine—assisted psychotherapy in adults with intertwined personality problems and traumatization: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17: 5661.
[16]	Kelly KJ, McDuffee LA, Mears K. The effect of human–horse interactions on equine behaviour, physiology, and welfare: A scoping review. animals 2021; 11: 2782.
[17]	Wilson K, Buultjens M, Monfries M, et al. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist’s perspective. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 22: 16–33.
[18]	Nelson C, Dossett K, Walker DL. Equine-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among First Responders. Psychol Rep 2022; 00332941221146707.

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APA Style

Anastasya, K. S., Syamsuddin, I. G., Faradilla, M. A., Zefanya, Larasari, A., et al. (2024). Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Research & Development, 5(1), 40-43. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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ACS Style

Anastasya, K. S.; Syamsuddin, I. G.; Faradilla, M. A.; Zefanya; Larasari, A., et al. Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Res. Dev. 2024, 5(1), 40-43. doi: 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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AMA Style

Anastasya KS, Syamsuddin IG, Faradilla MA, Zefanya, Larasari A, et al. Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Res Dev. 2024;5(1):40-43. doi: 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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@article{10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16,
  author = {Karina Shasri Anastasya and Indra Gazali Syamsuddin and Meutia Atika Faradilla and Zefanya and Andira Larasari and Daniella Satyasari and Yohana and Endrico Xavierees Tungka and Patricia Liman and Yuliana and Ali Fathi Assegaf and Reza Ramadhan Surya and Eris Sapari and Afif Aminurrohman and Ikhlas Arief Imawan},
  title = {Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health},
  journal = {Research & Development},
  volume = {5},
  number = {1},
  pages = {40-43},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rd.20240501.16},
  abstract = {The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health
AU  - Karina Shasri Anastasya
AU  - Indra Gazali Syamsuddin
AU  - Meutia Atika Faradilla
AU  - Zefanya
AU  - Andira Larasari
AU  - Daniella Satyasari
AU  - Yohana
AU  - Endrico Xavierees Tungka
AU  - Patricia Liman
AU  - Yuliana
AU  - Ali Fathi Assegaf
AU  - Reza Ramadhan Surya
AU  - Eris Sapari
AU  - Afif Aminurrohman
AU  - Ikhlas Arief Imawan
Y1  - 2024/03/07
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
T2  - Research & Development
JF  - Research & Development
JO  - Research & Development
SP  - 40
EP  - 43
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7057
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
AB  - The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

VL  - 5
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Karina Shasri Anastasya

Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia

Contact Email
Indra Gazali Syamsuddin

Klinik SM Medika, Jakarta, Indonesia
Meutia Atika Faradilla

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Zefanya

Klinik SM Medika, Jakarta, Indonesia
Andira Larasari

Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Daniella Satyasari

Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Yohana

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Endrico Xavierees Tungka

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Patricia Liman

Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Yuliana

Departement of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Ali Fathi Assegaf

Kasaya Equestrian, Legok Tangerang, Indonesia
Reza Ramadhan Surya

Kasaya Equestrian, Legok Tangerang, Indonesia
Eris Sapari

Kasaya Equestrian, Legok Tangerang, Indonesia
Afif Aminurrohman

Kasaya Equestrian, Legok Tangerang, Indonesia
Ikhlas Arief Imawan

Kasaya Equestrian, Legok Tangerang, Indonesia

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Anastasya, K. S., Syamsuddin, I. G., Faradilla, M. A., Zefanya, Larasari, A., et al. (2024). Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Research & Development, 5(1), 40-43. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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ACS Style

Anastasya, K. S.; Syamsuddin, I. G.; Faradilla, M. A.; Zefanya; Larasari, A., et al. Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Res. Dev. 2024, 5(1), 40-43. doi: 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

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AMA Style

Anastasya KS, Syamsuddin IG, Faradilla MA, Zefanya, Larasari A, et al. Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health. Res Dev. 2024;5(1):40-43. doi: 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16,
  author = {Karina Shasri Anastasya and Indra Gazali Syamsuddin and Meutia Atika Faradilla and Zefanya and Andira Larasari and Daniella Satyasari and Yohana and Endrico Xavierees Tungka and Patricia Liman and Yuliana and Ali Fathi Assegaf and Reza Ramadhan Surya and Eris Sapari and Afif Aminurrohman and Ikhlas Arief Imawan},
  title = {Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health},
  journal = {Research & Development},
  volume = {5},
  number = {1},
  pages = {40-43},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rd.20240501.16},
  abstract = {The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health
AU  - Karina Shasri Anastasya
AU  - Indra Gazali Syamsuddin
AU  - Meutia Atika Faradilla
AU  - Zefanya
AU  - Andira Larasari
AU  - Daniella Satyasari
AU  - Yohana
AU  - Endrico Xavierees Tungka
AU  - Patricia Liman
AU  - Yuliana
AU  - Ali Fathi Assegaf
AU  - Reza Ramadhan Surya
AU  - Eris Sapari
AU  - Afif Aminurrohman
AU  - Ikhlas Arief Imawan
Y1  - 2024/03/07
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
T2  - Research & Development
JF  - Research & Development
JO  - Research & Development
SP  - 40
EP  - 43
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7057
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16
AB  - The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

VL  - 5
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download