Therapeutic riding and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An application of the theory of self-efficacy

Authors

  • Brenna Jeanne Goodwin, MS, CTRS, TRS
  • Brent L. Hawkins, PhD, CTRS, LRT
  • Jasmine A. Townsend, PhD, CTRS
  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT
  • Stephen Lewis, PhD, CTRS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2016.0118

Keywords:

therapeutic riding, Autism Spectrum Disorder, self-efficacy, equine

Abstract

Research supports claims of benefits of therapeutic riding for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, the effect of specific subtypes of therapeutic riding (eg, therapeutic riding drill team) has been underinvestigated. Furthermore, the theories underlying therapeutic riding programs have not been well reported, especially among studies with children with ASD. This study used qualitative data from interviews to determine which aspects of Bandura's self-efficacy were evident among participants in a 16-week therapeutic riding drill team program. Results provided evidence of the presence of selfefficacy among participants during the program. Results of this study may be used to help recreational therapists target aspects of self-efficacy in therapeutic programs for children with ASD as a way to increase self-efficacy.

Author Biographies

Brenna Jeanne Goodwin, MS, CTRS, TRS

Recreation Therapy, Clemson University, Winchester, Tennessee.

Brent L. Hawkins, PhD, CTRS, LRT

Recreation Therapy, Clemson University, Winchester, Tennessee

Jasmine A. Townsend, PhD, CTRS

Recreation Therapy, Clemson University, Winchester, Tennessee

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT

Recreation Therapy, Clemson University, Winchester, Tennessee.

Stephen Lewis, PhD, CTRS

Recreation Therapy, Clemson University, Winchester, Tennessee

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Published

02/12/2017

How to Cite

Goodwin, MS, CTRS, TRS, B. J., Hawkins, PhD, CTRS, LRT, B. L., Townsend, PhD, CTRS, J. A., Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, M., & Lewis, PhD, CTRS, S. (2017). Therapeutic riding and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An application of the theory of self-efficacy. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 15(4), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2016.0118

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 4 (2016): Fall

Section

Articles

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