Improvement of Self-Esteem in Children with Specific Learning Disorders after Donkey-Assisted Therapy

Abstract

Dyslexia is a learning disorder related to receptive language characterized by difficulties with decoding, fluent word recognition, automatic naming skills and/or reading comprehension skills. It usually leads to severe functional impairment and the permanent need for support and interventions. Since animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have been found to improve physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning in humans, the aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of onotherapy on children with SLD by improving self-esteem and school performance. Sixteen patients with a diagnosis of dyslexia were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the first was a conventional neuropsychological group therapy without onotherapy, and the second was a neuropsychological group therapy incorporating AAIs with therapy donkeys. The neuropsychological assessment included the WISC-IV, DDE and the TMA test, which were administered before and after the treatment in both groups. The results of the experimental group show significant improvement in word reading test correctness (p = 0.03) and speed (p = 0.03), non-word reading test speed (p = 0.01), reading text test correctness (p = 0.05) and speed (p = 0.03), word writing test correctness (p = 0.01), non-word writing test correctness (p = 0.02), writing sentences with homophonic words correctness (p = 0.01), interpersonal TMA (p = 0.04) and the total TMA (p = 0.04), which were significative. On the other hand, in the control group, significant differences were found in word reading test speed (p = 0.01), non-word reading test speed (p = 0.04), reading text test speed (p = 0.02), writing word test correctness (p = 0.01), writing non-word test correctness (p = 0.01) and writing sentences with homophonic words (p = 0.01). However, in this group, we observed no significant difference in the esteem of children. Training associated with the donkeys determined improved scholastic performances as far as reading is concerned and a change in self-esteem. Therefore, we can state that AAIs for dyslexia could be a viable and effective option to enhance the rehabilitation process, increase self-esteem and improve cognitive functions and language skills recovery.

Building up bit by bit, parent’s experiences of equine–assisted intervention among children and adolescents with mental illness: a grounded theory study

“…Preceding research has indicated negative school results due to mental illness (Burnett-Zeigler et al, 2012 ) with adverse long-term effects on academic outcomes (Bailey et al, 2018 ; Wagner et al, 2015 ). EAS has previously been shown to facilitate empowerment processes and enhance self-confidence, self-esteem, and ability to handle responsibility (Xie, 2013 ) and reduce problematic behaviours such as aggressiveness and assertiveness (Bachi et al, 2012 ; Corallo et al, 2023 ; Lee et al, 2016 ; Wilson et al, 2017 ). EAS can help children and adolescents overcome the adverse effects of mental illness and thus facilitate participation in activities to support their experience of being a capable person (García-Carrión et al, 2019 ).…”

“…EAS for children and adolescents with mental ill health, including symptoms such as anxiety and depression, has resulted in improved self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness, life satisfaction, and self-control, as well as a reduction of problematic behaviours such as aggressiveness and assertiveness (Bachi et al, 2012 ; Corallo et al, 2023 ; Lee et al, 2016 ; Wilson et al, 2017 ). A recent interview study among children and adolescents with mental health conditions showed that the participating children and adolescents during and after they had received EAS experienced innate calmness, improved self-esteem, and self-confidence (Punzo et al, 2022 ).…”

Animal-Assisted Education: Exploratory Research on the Positive Impact of Dogs on Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes of Elementary School Students

“…This makes gaining insight into any effectiveness problematic. Despite this, there are indications that children benefit from programs involving animals [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 33 , 35 ]: for example, AAIs for dyslexia could increase self-esteem and improve cognitive functions and language skills recovery [ 36 ].…”