1 research outputs found
Empowering children with post-traumatic stress disorder through horse connection in occupational therapy
Childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing mental health concern in pediatric occupational therapy (OT). More than two thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age sixteen. Of the children with at least one reportable trauma, an estimated 3-β15% of girls and 14-β43% of boys will go onto develop PTSD. The consequences of undiagnosed and/or untreated pediatric PTSD include negative long-term health implications through adulthood that negatively impact quality of life. Negative implications may include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, chronic diseases, and even suicide. Children with PTSD experience chronic stress responses that inhibits their willingness and interest to socialize, process social information, and develop relational skills towards others while performing daily activities. A two-part solution is discussed in this dissertation that includes educating occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) about the benefits of incorporating equines for children with trauma and PTSD and review of a proposed program evaluation study. The proposed program evaluation study will help contribute to provider knowledge and research gaps of how horses impact pediatric social skills and their mental health. This dissertation will also discuss a plan for program implementation, evaluation, funding, and dissemination