ABSTRACT

Equine Facilitated Programs (EFPs) appear to improve wellbeing in young people, however, empirical research is in its infancy. This study examined the experiences of young people participating in an EFP, and explored the mechanisms of change. Eight Irish socio-economically disadvantaged, adolescent males (aged 12–14 years; M = 13.86), with social and emotional difficulties took part in 31 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups over an eight week EFP. Thematic analysis generated three themes: Initial Engagement; Engagement with the Program; and Personal Growth. Potential mechanisms of change included curiosity, reciprocity, having a goal, and mastery of skills. EFPs may therefore improve wellbeing in young people through mechanisms that encourage both initial and ongoing engagement, and that support personal growth.

摘要

马促进计划（EFP）似乎可以改善年轻人的健康，但是，实证研究尚处于起步阶段。这项研究检查了年轻人参加EFP的经验，并探讨了变化的机制。八爱尔兰社会经济处于不利地位，男性青少年（年龄12-14岁;中号= 13.86），在社交和情感方面的困难下，他们参加了为期8周的EFP的31个半结构化访谈和两个焦点小组。专题分析产生了三个主题：初步参与；参与计划；和个人成长。潜在的变化机制包括好奇心，互惠，有目标和技巧的掌握。因此，EFP可以通过鼓励初次和持续参与并支持个人成长的机制来改善年轻人的福祉。