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This master’s thesis analyzed existing data collected from an equine-assisted learning program for adolescent girls aged 10-17 living in a residential facility. The program ran from January to December 2018 at Strides to Success in Indianapolis, Indiana. Using the HeartMath® Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Stress (DAPS) pre and post survey as the primary measurement tool, the data was analyzed using a series of Generalized Estimating Equations to see if there was any decrease in the participant’s self-perceptions of anxiety. Observation data collected by the residential staff members was also analyzed to see if there was any correlation between the horse interactions and the DAPs survey scores. Based on the means of standard deviations and the parameters of the DAPS scale there was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety across time, p < 0.001 and there was a statistically significant correlation between horse interaction and anxiety/fear, p < 0.001. The study concludes with emphasizing that more quantitative research and data collection centered on the physiological and neurological changes within the body could further advance the EAL field as an effective modality.
Advisor: | Richards, Centae, McMahan, Lynne |
Commitee: | McPhee, Pam |
School: | Prescott College |
Department: | Education / Equine-Assisted Experiential Learning |
School Location: | United States -- Arizona |
Source: | MAI 81/8(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Education, Neurosciences, Psychology |
Keywords: | Anxiety, Education, Equine-assisted learning, Experiential learning, Neuroscience |
Publication Number: | 27739010 |
ISBN: | 9781392550007 |