2024/08/08 by Dawn Chaplin, Chaplin, Dawn
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Psychology · Veterinary · #Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Outdoor and Experiential Education
paper · doi:10.24382/0gb0-ca95
openalex publication_date 2024/08/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
The area of Animal Assisted Therapy, and in particular therapy with Equines, was investigated to assess whether this sort of therapy could contribute to Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL). It was proposed that quantitative and qualitative measures would suggest an increase in social and emotional functioning following an Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) intervention. Three ‘at-risk’ adolescent males were nominated by teaching staff to participate in a quasi-experimental research design, whereby measures were taken but no variables manipulated. Quantitative data provided weak support for the hypothesis although qualitative data suggested an improvement in functioning followed by a decline in two of the participant’s behaviour. It was concluded that EFL provided a basis for social and emotional development.