ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the assets and challenges of partnering with equines for female Veterans seeking to increase aspects of mindfulness that can be applied daily. Three measures (Toronto Mindfulness Scale, Mindfulness Survey, and Program Evaluation) were administered to participants to assess self-identified mindfulness pre- and post-equine intervention. The Mindfulness Survey responses pre-intervention ranged from 2.3 to 6.5 with a response range of 0 to 10 (M = 4.59, SD = 1.29). The post-intervention Survey responses ranged from 6.7 to 9.2 (M = 8.2, SD = 0.69). A paired sample t-test found a significant difference in the scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention conditions (t= −9.43, df = 13, p< .001). The evaluation responses included positive feedback specific to the activities of grooming and Breathe With. A participant noted, “The horses have taught me a lot about myself”; a common theme across respondents. The Veterans demonstrated a significant increase in self-identified Mindfulness throughout the duration of the equine intervention.

摘要

这项研究旨在探索女性退伍军人与马匹合作的优势和挑战，以提高日常应用的正念能力。对参与者进行了三项测量（多伦多正念量表、正念调查和项目评估），以评估马术干预前后的自我认知正念。干预前的正念调查回答范围为 2.3 至 6.5，回答范围为 0 至 10（M = 4.59，SD  = 1.29）。干预后调查的答复范围为 6.7 至 9.2（M = 8.2，SD  = 0.69）。配对样本 t 检验发现干预前和干预后条件下的分数存在显着差异 ( t = -9.43, df  = 13, p< .001)。评估回应包括针对梳理和呼吸活动的积极反馈。一位参与者指出，“马匹教会了我很多关于我自己的知识”；受访者的共同主题。在整个马术干预期间，退伍军人表现出自我认同的正念显着增加。