Scholar Profiles
Kimberly Liberatore
2004 - 2005 University Scholar
Mentor: Chuck Peek
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
"I applied to the University Scholars Program in order to have the opportunity to work closely with a UF professor and also to gain a better understanding of the methodology involved in conducting social science research."
Kimberly is a senior majoring in both psychology and sociology, with a minor in English. Her academic interests include counseling psychology and issues of social inequality. She has been on the dean’s list every semester of her college career and the president’s list for four semesters. She is treasurer of the UF Equestrian Club and competes on its hunt seat and dressage teams. A cellist, Kimberly was a performer in the UF Symphony Orchestra during her freshman year. She also is president and co-founder of the non-profit, Flying Changes, a social intervention program that provides underprivileged children with equestrian opportunities.
Research Description:
Equine Facilitated Therapy
The use of animals to facilitate treatment has become an increasingly common approach among providers of various types of therapy. Equine facilitated therapy (EFT), or therapy involving the use of horses to treat people, has recently become particularly popular. The three facets of EFT are: (1) physical therapy, which includes hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, (2) mental therapy, which includes equine assisted/facilitated psychotherapy, and (3) social intervention, which includes equine assisted growth and learning programs.
There are currently over 650 EFT centers nationwide with more than 30,000 clients, and 25 major universities offer EFT programs. Yet despite its growing popularity, there is little evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness of using horses in conjunction with physical, mental, or social therapy. While there are many media and trade articles extolling the value of EFT, there is very little scientific research, especially within the realm of mental therapy or social intervention. The lack of a best practices model creates great variability in practices of EFT and among providers who offer this type of therapy.
The purpose of this research is to examine the social factors that influence the different ways that horses are integrated into physical, mental, and behavioral therapy. The research will pursue three specific aims. First, by surveying a nationally representative probability sample of EFT facilities, I will document the variety of ways and settings in which horses are used in therapy. Second, I will identify the organizational and attitudinal factors associated with various modes of EFT. Particular focus will be given to how the professional structures of the occupations that provide some form of EFT (e.g., physical therapists, psychiatrists) affect the way that horses are integrated into therapy. I will also explore providers' rationale for using horses in various types of therapy. Finally, through in-depth interviews, I will investigate clients’ experiences with, and perceptions of, EFT.
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