Positive and Negative Affects in Horse-assisted Coachings

Abstract

The present study examines whether horses can be implemented in coaching in order to change individuals’ positive and negative affects. To this end, an experimental group (n = 46) received a horse-assisted coaching, whereas the control group (n = 46) did not receive any coaching. The short-time intervention consisted of one coaching session with a horse for a duration of two hours. Positive and negative affects were measured with the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) in both groups using a pre-post-test-design. Results reveal that the level of positive affects increased, and the level of negative affects decreased significantly in the intervention group when compared to the control group. This outcome suggests the possibility of improving emotions and states of mood in humans through horse-assisted coaching.