Experiences of Equine Assisted Therapy and Its Influence on Occupational Engagement Among People With Mental Health Problems

• Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) has positive influence on health. However, research is scarce regarding how people with mental health problems experience EAT and if it influences occupational engagement. Eleven people with mental health problems were interviewed regarding this issue. Data was analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Results showed that EAT had a positive influence on personal development and occupational engagement in forms of a catalytic experience, taking control in daily life, and being active and building relationships in life. Although the study is small in size, the results indicate that EAT could be used to facilitate meaningful occupations.

Ämnesord

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

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

Nyckelord

Animal-assisted Interventions

daily occupations

equine assisted therapy

mental illness

occupational engagement

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)