A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

CHAPTER 6
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Despite the long tradition and intuitive appeal of therapy involving equines the majority of
the evidence that exists is exploratory in nature rather than empirical. This review is a tentative
first step toward considering the evidence in the aggregate. The final aim of this systematic
examination of the data is to highlight future research needs and recommendations that have
become apparent as a result of this study. Although the literature is replete with qualitative
studies—the standard for exploratory research in new areas-- of the benefits of equineassisted/facilitated
psychosocial interventions, much work remains to be done in the quantitative
realm if this treatment approach is to gain credibility; Well-designed, controlled, replicable
research on the effectiveness and efficacy of equine-assisted/facilitated interventions is lacking.
Preliminary studies such as those reviewed here are promising, but they underscore the need for
more rigorous investigation of this treatment approach. Perhaps the greatest value in a study
such as this is that it illuminates not only the gaps, but also the difficulties involved in conducting
investigations of this nature and in so doing, uncovers specific directions for the next phase of
research. These specific directions are described in the remainder of this chapter.
6.1 Studies of Specific Populations
Researchers would be wise to investigate the psychosocial effects of equine-involved
interventions on consumers with specific diagnoses. For example, this investigation uncovered
two systematic reviews that have already been done on populations with cerebral palsy (Snider et
al., 2007; Sterba, 2007). One of the chief utilitarian values of a systematic review is
comprehensive coverage of the extant literature according to pre-established criteria, which
establishes the groundwork for subsequent periodic updating. Consequently, an updated
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