The Effects of an Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Intervention on Well-Being in Persons Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. A Pilot Study

• The process of personal recovery among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia may be facilitated through innovative health promotion interventions targeting multidimensional aspects of subjective well-being. The current pilot study aims to test the use of self-rated questionnaires as a means of evaluation of the effects of an equine-assisted intervention for persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Twenty adults diagnosed with schizophrenia were offered a 12-week EAT intervention performed six times once every 14 days by a licenced mental health nurse. Two validated self-rated questionnaires, HSCL-25 and SHIS were used as outcome measurements at baseline and at post-treatment, additionally the self-rated questionnaire PANAS was completed twice a week starting one week before the 12 week - EAT intervention. Only six of the twenty participants managed to complete the validated questionnaires. Despite the low response rate of approximately 30 %, a significant difference was found between pre and post scores for positive affect and well-being. Effect sizes, ranging from small to large for pre-to-post treatment scores indicated less depression and anxiety, more positive affect, less negative affect, and reinforced well-being. Results suggest that EAT interventions may have beneficial effects among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and that a varied range of research methods is needed to create a solid evidence base for EAT interventions intended for the target group. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

affect

equine-assisted therapeutic intervention

personal recovery

schizophrenia

well-being

M4HP

M4HP

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)