A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

ABSTRACT
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
INVOLVING EQUINES
Alison Selby, MSSW
The University of Texas at Arlington, 2009
Supervising Professor: Alexa Smith-Osborne
This systematic review examines the empirical literature in an emerging body of evidence
for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions involving equines across populations. Fourteen
full reports in English were extracted from 103 studies accessed through sixteen electronic
databases and a hand search. Selected quantitative studies were published in peer-reviewed
journals; the gray literature and white papers were also explored. Population, Intervention,
Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development,
and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were applied to all studies. Data were synthesized in relation to
four research questions informing evidence-based practice. No randomized clinical trials were
located. Two studies provided a moderate level of evidence for effectiveness. Nine studies
demonstrated statistically significant positive effects. In the aggregate, the evidence is promising
in support of the effectiveness of psychotherapy employing equines. Future studies are needed
that utilize rigorous and creative designs, especially longitudinal studies and comparisons with
established effective treatments.
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