Equine-assisted interventions for pupils with mental illness and problematic school absence in primary and secondary school

Causes of problematic school absenteeism are divided into social, school-related and individual factors, such as mental illness. In Sweden, mental ill-health among children and young adults has increased in terms of NPF diagnoses and self-perceived ill-health in parallel with increased prescribing of psychotropic drugs to children and young people. Equine-assisted interventions (EAI) have shown positive results in terms of improved self-confidence, increased life satisfaction and strengthened communication and social functioning. Several smaller studies show that the horse and the horse's environment are perceived as calming and stress-reducing, and that the friendship with the horse promotes self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance.

The studies indicated that equine-assisted interventions that include social interaction and physical activity contribute to reduced experience of stress and anxiety, increased self-esteem and strengthened self-confidence, and functional capacity. Qualitative and quantitative studies of high scientific quality are required to evaluate experiences and specific effects of EAI for students with mental illness and school absenteeism. The project intends to investigate the effects and experiences of equine-assisted interventions for children between the ages of 7 and 17 with mental illness and school absenteeism. The project is expected to generate 4 publications in international scientific journals.