Abstract
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) has positive influence on health. However, research is scarce regarding how people with mental health problems experience EAT and if it influences occupational engagement. Eleven people with mental health problems were interviewed regarding this issue. Data was analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Results showed that EAT had a positive influence on personal development and occupational engagement in forms of a catalytic experience, taking control in daily life, and being active and building relationships in life. Although the study is small in size, the results indicate that EAT could be used to facilitate meaningful occupations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 394-418 |
Journal | Occupational Therapy in Mental Health |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Occupational Therapy
Free keywords
- Animal-assisted Interventions
- daily occupations
- equine assisted therapy
- mental illness
- occupational engagement