Engaging Disenfranchised Youth through an Equine Assisted Activities Program: Understanding Psychosocial Benefits of Horse-Human Interactions
In: Society & AnimalsSearch for other papers by Michael Francis Norwood in
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Department of Tourism, Sport & Hotel Management, Griffith University Queensland Australia
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Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Parklands Australia
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Abstract
Evidence suggests equine-assisted activities may provide psychological benefits to young people “at-risk.” Results are presented from an equine program among 14- to 16-year-old children (N = 7), mostly boys (N = 6), attending a non-traditional flexi-school in Australia. Thematic analyses were undertaken on observations by facilitators, researchers, and a school teacher, and interviews with a school teacher. Key themes suggest that program participants benefited from positive engagement, social connectedness, and increased confidence, relationships, and attachment. Mechanisms were identified as a desire and an ability to connect with the horse and a positive environment. The social context of the equine program contrasts with other contexts in these young people’s lives, which allowed them to engage through more positive relational, affectionate behavior. For the boys, positive rather than damaging masculine behavior was displayed. Furthermore, the compatible student-environment interactions provide a backdrop which makes other positive changes possible.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1986 | 505 | 50 |
| Full Text Views | 151 | 30 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 232 | 61 | 1 |
Engaging Disenfranchised Youth through an Equine Assisted Activities Program: Understanding Psychosocial Benefits of Horse-Human Interactions
In: Society & AnimalsSearch for other papers by Michael Francis Norwood in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ali Lakhani in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Elizabeth Kendall in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Tourism, Sport & Hotel Management, Griffith University Queensland Australia
Search for other papers by Simone Fullagar in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Parklands Australia
Search for other papers by Annick Maujean in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Evidence suggests equine-assisted activities may provide psychological benefits to young people “at-risk.” Results are presented from an equine program among 14- to 16-year-old children (N = 7), mostly boys (N = 6), attending a non-traditional flexi-school in Australia. Thematic analyses were undertaken on observations by facilitators, researchers, and a school teacher, and interviews with a school teacher. Key themes suggest that program participants benefited from positive engagement, social connectedness, and increased confidence, relationships, and attachment. Mechanisms were identified as a desire and an ability to connect with the horse and a positive environment. The social context of the equine program contrasts with other contexts in these young people’s lives, which allowed them to engage through more positive relational, affectionate behavior. For the boys, positive rather than damaging masculine behavior was displayed. Furthermore, the compatible student-environment interactions provide a backdrop which makes other positive changes possible.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1986 | 505 | 50 |
| Full Text Views | 151 | 30 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 232 | 61 | 1 |