What is it about?
This paper focused on determining the role of an equine-assisted therapy Intervention, known as the Eagala Model, in establishing psychological well-being among adolescent living in impoverished communities (townships) in Gauteng, South Africa. A mixed-method embedded research design was used. The results of the study indicated that the intervention increased psychological well-being in the participants.
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Why is it important?
Adolescents living in poverty are exposed to multiple stressors such as crime, poverty, and substance abuse, placing them at increased risk of experiencing low psychological well-being. South Africa lacks accessible mental health services that are appropriate for adolescents. Experiential and horse-assisted therapies have been shown in Western countries to be appropriate therapy methods for adolescents. However, there is very little research regarding the role of horse-assisted therapy in promoting psychological well-being in adolescents in under-resourced communities and even less specific to the South African context. This research provides initial support for the choice of horse-assisted therapies for promoting psychological well-being in adolescents.
Perspectives
South Africa offers few psychological services that can be implemented in a community-based setting. Horses are commonly seen around township areas where there is knowledge of horse psychology and welfare. I believe that community psychological services incorporating horses can be accessible and appropriate alternative psychological interventions. Adolescents have been identified as experiencing high levels of mental ill-health with little to no access to psychological services. Interventions that promote well-being in adolescents are essential in facilitating a successful transition into adulthood.
Sharon Boyce
University of Pretoria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Role of the Eagala Model in Promoting Psychological Wellbeing in Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Society and Animals, June 2022, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/15685306-bja10092.
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