Interactions with Horses is Associated with Higher Mindfulness and Heart Rate Variability and Lower Electrodermal Response in College Students

Author

Sarah Mary Wach

Date of Award

8-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Keri Weed

Second Advisor

Jane Stafford

Third Advisor

Maureen Carrigan

Abstract

A wealth of research has revealed psychological and physiological benefits of interactions with animals. As yet, research is limited to smaller animals such as dogs and cats and has not examined the benefits of human-horse interactions. The present study examined the effects of video-simulated human-horse interactions compared with simulated interactions with a car and a person on state mindfulness and physiological arousal. The relationship between trait mindfulness and horse experience was also examined. Undergraduate students with (n = 16) and without experience with horses (n = 26) were recruited with the exclusion criteria of a fear of horses. Results provided support for hypotheses in that participants with horse experience had significantly higher HRV, p = .01, η_p² = .15, and higher mindful awareness, p = .01, d = 0.72, than participants without experience with horses. The current study suggests that the positive benefits of human-animal interactions may be extended to interactions with horses.

Recommended Citation

Wach, Sarah Mary, "Interactions with Horses is Associated with Higher Mindfulness and Heart Rate Variability and Lower Electrodermal Response in College Students" (2014). USC Aiken Psychology Theses. 8.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/aiken_psychology_theses/8