Research Proposal - 2 - Early Literature Review Due: Tuesday, 10 October 2023, 11:59 PM

For this assignment I chose to focus on the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapies. There have been many ongoing studies that are delving into the

positives that come with working alongside horses. A few of these include areas of study such as equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), as well as equine-assisted

learning (EAL), which have both gained popularity for their signs of strong psychological benefits. A few of the benefits from these practices can include, but are not

limited to; increased emotional regulation/increased self-awareness, varying types of stress reduction/harm reduction, and improved sense of overall ability and

responsibility. In general, at least I believe anyway, that horses are strong animals that can provide an area of focus in life for those prone to get caught up in

distractions and negative emotions. In each of these areas I can personally attest to the truth of the matters in these factors as well as truth in a few other benefits not

previously listed. Though I will mention that one of the biggest benefactors from any interaction with horses is the feeling of satisfaction you get upon being able to

note improvements you’ve made in the animals' developments. This sort of recognition and admiration for another being's accomplishments is one that, within the

equine community anyway, I’ve only ever heard likened to alongside the success of having a child learn a new skill. As horses are deep and complicated creatures so the

process of teaching them anything can be painstaking and draining at times, especially if there is mental baggage to wade through before being able to teach them any

new skills.

To dive more specifically in the area of research I am leaning towards, I want to tie in an aspect of this topic that I can relate to personally. Having been diagnosed

with ADHD and Persistent Depressive Disorder personally only a couple years ago, I feel confident in my ability to state, without a doubt, that my daily life is

improved by the companion of animals, equines especially. When seated on a horse it is actually quite similar to many grounding exercises. One of the main

components of grounding exercises that I’ve been instructed to follow in therapy practices is that of the 1,2,3,4,5 method (which usually entails a process of listing 5

things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can feel, and 1 thing you can taste, or any of the five sense in whichever number

placeholder you can recall at the time). The way I believe this relates to riding is fairly simple as during any moments being seated on or near a horse, it is extremely

helpful to be not just mindful but aware of stimuli that the horse may be noticing around the both of you at any given time as well. In accordance with the material, I

feel that this is an area that is misunderstood by those even within the psychological-research groups out there. Let it be known that I want to highlight not only the

importance of working alongside horses for ones recovery but animals in general, even just getting outside is incredibly important for one's mental health and as

much as I myself used to hate having to acknowledge the truth in that statement, it is one that is irrefutable. There are scads of studies drawn to how animal-assisted

therapy (AAT), is recognized for its multifaceted benefits in enhancing mental and physical well-being. Interactions with animals have been linked to the release of

neurotransmitters associated with happiness and stress reduction, which can contribute to improved mood and emotional well-being. The unconditional

companionship of animals fosters a sense of connection, alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation. There is also the factor of how animal assisted therapies may

also serve as a social catalyst, encouraging individuals to connect with others through shared experiences with animals. Moreover, the non-judgmental and accepting

nature of animals provides a unique and therapeutic space for emotional expression, making them valuable partners in addressing mental health challenges and

supporting individuals during times of stress, trauma, or grief. I feel that now, even more than was relevant in the past, there is a strong need to be able to disconnect

from the taxing effect that media and the internet can have on a person's psyche and there really isn't a better way to do so than getting involved with a program that

doesn't just get you outdoors, but gets you active whilst doing so.
In looking into the previous inquiries done on this topic I found a few really good studies that took strong scientific approaches to collecting evidence that supported

the same theories. In the first one, conducted by; Ayala et al, Pilot Study of the Influence of Equine Assisted Therapy on Physiological and Behavioral Parameters

Related to Welfare of Horses and Patients it is concluded that Equine assisted therapy is being used successfully in patients with different psychic and motor

pathologies. In the present work, different physiological and behavioral parameters have been evaluated in horses and patients with psychomotor alterations during

equine assisted therapy sessions. After a first anticipatory phase in which signs of stress were observed in the behavior of the horses, with increased heart and

respiratory rates as well as increased blood pressure, the horses relaxed in the phase of interaction with the patients on the ground. Later, in the phase of interaction

with the patient on horseback, physical activity increased the heart and respiratory rates in the horses, but these parameters decreased after finishing the sessions

(recovery phase). The patients also showed some anticipatory stress with increased heart rate in the first phase, but they relaxed during the interaction phases on the

ground and on horseback. In addition, the quality of sleep improved on the days of therapy. On the other hand, the patients improved their fine and gross motor

function, as well as the parameters related to the cognitive, emotional and affective-social areas. The benefits in the patients had a positive influence on the quality of

life of their families. The following article I found relating to the information was one provided by Sharon White‐Lewis, Equine‐assisted therapies using horses as

healers: A concept analysis.

While I don’t feel this article was quite as in-depth as the previous, the research found was useful in its presentation of some factors related to the topic at hand. At a

glance the article "Equine‐assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis" aims to clarify the attributes, antecedents, and the overall meaning of

equine-assisted therapy (EAT) by conducting a deeper concept analysis. The study utilizes Walker and Avant's concept analysis method to define and enumerate the

attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of EAT. The defining attributes include benefits from the presence of a human participant around an

equine which showcases how purposeful and regulated interaction and positive health is a result of the interaction. Antecedents encompass the presence of a live

horse, a human capable of interacting with the horse, a facilitator, and accessibility to an EAT program. Results would show various positive outcomes such as

improved balance, well-being, quality of life, trust, spasticity, self-efficacy, self-esteem, nurse presence, pleasure, and a sense of accomplishment. The article emphasizes

the need for a standardized language in the field of EAT and provides a comprehensive understanding of the concept for clinicians and researchers in nursing practice.

The study also highlights the rich aesthetic influence of horses on humans and the potential for horses as healing agents in physical and psychological interventions

The final article I found that was the best of the ones I chose was Equine-assisted services for individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A scoping review - substance

abuse treatment, prevention, and policy by Diaz et al. On the whole it can be said that this study reveals a promising but inconclusive picture (perhaps a hint at why

more research on this topic would be beneficial, hmm?). Quantitative data within the study suggests a potential positive impact on treatment retention, completion,

and participants' mental health whilst receiving assistance from EAS; however, these findings are limited by small sample sizes. Though qualitative data highlights

include the development of bonds with the horses, increased self-efficacy, positive emotional affect, and motivation for SUD treatment. Nevertheless, methodological

limitations and a lack of diversity in study populations do unfortunately raise concerns about the overall effectiveness of EAS as adjuncts to SUD treatment. The

review emphasizes the need for additional rigorous research before endorsing the broad implementation of EAS in SUD treatment. Future studies should address

these limitations, explore outcomes systematically, standardize terminology, and include diverse participant demographics to provide a more comprehensive

understanding of the potential benefits of EAS in SUD treatment across various populations and settings.