ABSTRACT

Individuals in the forensic mental health system experience barriers to recovery and lack opportunities for engagement in meaningful activities. Equine interventions have the potential to promote recovery in forensic patients through opportunities to learn new skills and develop social relationships. However, the research on equine-assisted therapies in forensic mental health settings is limited and little is known about its role in recovery. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore forensic mental health patient and staff experiences of the Horse Stables Program at a psychiatric facility, and to identify aspects of the program deemed influential in facilitating patient recovery. Thirteen participants, forensic service users (n = 7) and staff (n = 6), involved in the program participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis. Findings revealed four themes related to recovery: 1) Radical Shift in Environment, 2) Opportunity for New Roles, 3) Building Meaningful Connections, and 4) Expanding Horizons. Final themes from this study were found to align with the literature on recovery in both general and forensic mental health settings. Participants expressed positive experiences at the stables and conveyed that the Horse Stables Program promoted recovery and well-being.

摘要

法医精神卫生系统中的个人在康复过程中遇到障碍，并且缺乏参与有意义活动的机会。马的干预有可能通过学习新技能和发展社会关系的机会促进法医患者的康复。然而，在法医心理健康环境中对马辅助疗法的研究是有限的，对其在康复中的作用知之甚少。这项定性研究的目的是探索精神病院马厩项目的法医精神健康患者和工作人员的经历，并确定该项目被认为对促进患者康复有影响的方面。十三名参与者，法医服务使用者 ( n =  7) 和工作人员 ( n = 6）、参与方案参加半结构化面试。使用 Braun 和 Clarke 的六个主题分析阶段来转录访谈并分析数据。调查结果揭示了与复苏相关的四个主题：1) 环境的根本转变，2) 新角色的机会，3) 建立有意义的联系，以及 4) 扩大视野。发现这项研究的最终主题与一般和法医心理健康环境中恢复的文献一致。参与者表达了在马厩的积极体验，并表示马厩计划促进了恢复和福祉。