ERIC Number: EJ1458296
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2325-4009
EISSN: EISSN-2325-4017
Do Horse Breed Association Youth Programs Promote Life Skills and Goal Development for Youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Julius Culwell; Makenna Foster; Molly Christine Nicodemus; Molly Friend; Holly Evans; Dean Jousan; Katherine Holtcamp; Clay Cavinder; Toree Williams
Journal of Youth Development, v19 n4 Article 8 p31-48 2024
Almost 10% of American youth are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While not a learning disability, this diagnosis results in youth being labeled academically "at-risk." While equine assisted services (EAS) promote an emotionally safe learning environment for at-risk youth, program availability is limited. Horse breed associations, however, offer programs nationwide for all youth, although these programs do not have a therapeutic intention. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to utilize a survey to determine program participation and associated development of life skills and goals for ADHD youth. A survey was developed with the following: 15 fixed-response multiple-choice questions, one question formatted as a rating scale concerning development of 10 life skills, and an open-ended response section for feedback concerning the survey and the programs. Participants (n = 58) included the following: 1) parents of ADHD youth who had participated or were participating in breed association youth activities or 2) individuals with ADHD who had participated as a youth in these activities. The majority participated in these programs >10 years (71%) utilizing multiple horses (3-5 horses: 38%). Investment within these programs (>$40,000: 86%) exceeded financial returns ($3,000-$5,000: 33%). The majority of respondents were in agreement that these programs had impacted academic ("Definitely Yes": 69%) and career ("Somewhat Yes": 67%) goals. All of the life skills improved with participation with "respect" having the highest rating. While EAS has shown promise for ADHD youth, breed association youth programs may be a complementary approach in working with these youth.
Descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Animals, At Risk Students, Therapeutic Recreation, Parents, Social Organizations, Daily Living Skills, Youth Programs, Achievement Gains, Career Development, Career Pathways, Youth, Goal Orientation
Clemson University Press. 116 Sigma Drive, Clemson, SC 29634. Tel: 864-656-2278; e-mail: cupress@clemson.edu; Web site: www.clemson.edu/press
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A