Effects of a supported program for horseback riding on inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia: A qualitative exploratory study

Authors

  • Deborah J. Corring, PhD
  • Megan E. Johnston, MA
  • Abraham Rudnick, MD, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0023

Keywords:

schizophrenia, therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic recreation, equine therapy, rehabilitation

Abstract

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) for inpatients with schizophrenia has not been examined, although it may benefit this particularly impaired population. This exploratory study aimed at studying THR for such individuals. Six inpatients with schizophrenia participated in 10 weekly sessions of THR. Validated transcriptions of semistructured interviews with these patients and with their accompanying staff as well as with the THR instructor over a few points in time were analyzed for themes. THR was found to be beneficial for this group of inpatients; in particular, they enjoyed themselves. In conclusion, THR has promise for this population, possibly as an enhancer of enjoyment, among other things, and should be further developed and studied for individuals with schizophrenia of varying severity.

Author Biographies

Deborah J. Corring, PhD

Department of Psychiatry and School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada; Regional Mental Health Care London/St. Thomas, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada. Deb.Corring@sjhc.london.on.ca

Megan E. Johnston, MA

Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abraham Rudnick, MD, PhD

Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada; Department of Philosophy, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada; Regional Mental Health Care, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada.

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Published

07/01/2010

How to Cite

Corring, PhD, D. J., Johnston, MA, M. E., & Rudnick, MD, PhD, A. (2010). Effects of a supported program for horseback riding on inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia: A qualitative exploratory study. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 9(3), 41–46. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0023

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2010): Summer

Section

Articles

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