English Abstracts: Psychological and social effects of horse-assisted interventions in children: A systematic review

Abstract

English Abstracts
Psychological and social effects of horse-assisted interventions in children:
A systematic review

What psychological and social effects of horse-assisted interventions for children can be identified from existing studies? This question is answered by a systematic methodical approach, whereby the results of 25 studies (peer-reviewed, starting in 2004) are examined in more detail. Several studies are investigating the effects on autism or ADHD. In addition to changes in symptoms, the influence on behavior, social skills, self-regulation, quality of life, depression and stress was examined. Four studies follow a qualitative approach and many quantitative studies have a weak research design. So far it is difficult to make general statements, but the number of studies points to the positive development of the research field.