Measuring Bonds in Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy

Author

Carla K. Sloan-Brown, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is a type of animal-assisted intervention that has potential to be an effective therapeutic modality in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. It is theorized that a meaningful relationship is formed between client and horse; this relationship is thought to inspire meaningful change in the client. The current study found evidence of human-equine bonds and determined they can be measured quantitatively using adapted bonding scales. This study also explored variables that may impact bonds formed between clients and horse co-therapists. Finally, a potential correlation between the strength of the bond and the severity of symptoms over the course of therapy was investigated.

Keywords

animal-assisted therapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, human-animal bonds, human-horse bonds, at-risk youth

Advisor

Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell

Date of Award

Summer 2013

Document Type

Thesis

DOI

10.58809/HTES6394

Recommended Citation

Sloan-Brown, Carla K., "Measuring Bonds in Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy" (2013). Master's Theses. 97.
DOI: 10.58809/HTES6394
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/97

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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