title: Equine-facilitated psychotherapy for at-risk adolescents: the influence on self-image, self-control and trust.
abstract: This article describes the theoretical-conceptual frame of equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) for adolescents at-risk, the unique components of this intervention, and its implementation in an evaluation study. The study was conducted at a residential treatment facility for adolescents at-risk. We examined the outcomes of EFP on self-image, self-control, trust and general life satisfaction. Fourteen resident adolescents comprised the treatment group, and were compared with a matched group of 15 residents who did not receive EFP (control). The treatment comprised a weekly individual EFP session over a period of seven months. The study found a trend of positive change in all four research parameters within the treatment group. Additional indications of the intervention's positive influence were also found and are discussed.
authors.affiliation: The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, USA. KBachi@gc.cuny.edu
authors.forename: Keren
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bachi
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Terkel
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teichman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056147:Equine-Assisted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012306:Risk; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology*