This study demonstrates the efficacy of Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) by comparing EAC to classroom-based counseling. Students (n = 164) identified as being at high risk for academic and/or social failure participated in 12 weekly counseling sessions. Within-group paired sample t-test results comparing pre- and post-treatment scores for externalizing, internalizing, maladaptive, and adaptive behaviors determined that the EAC made statistically significant improvements in 17 behavior areas, whereas the RD group showed statistically significant improvement in 5 areas. Between-groups ANCOVA results indicated that the EAC showed statistically significant improvement in 7 areas when compared directly to RD. Repeated measures ANOVA of the EAC participants’ social behavior ratings showed statistically significant improvement with increases in positive behaviors and decreases in negative behaviors.
Kay Sudekum Trotter
Cynthia K. Chandler
Deborah Goodwin-Bond
Janie Casey
WCMH Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, Vol. 3, No. 3, August 2008
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