Sarah V Alfonso1, Lauren A Alfonso2, Maria M Llabre3, M Isabel Fernandez4. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce De Leon Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146-0751. Electronic address: s.alfonso1@umiami.edu. 2. Department of Education, Leadership and Professional Studies Florida International University, Miami, FL. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce De Leon Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146-0751. 4. Behavioral Health Promotion Program, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Miami, FL.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Although there is evidence supporting the use of equine-assisted activities to treat mental disorders, its efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of social anxiety in young women has not been examined. METHOD: We developed and pilot tested Project Stride, a brief, six-session intervention combining equine-assisted activities and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce symptoms of social anxiety. A total of 12 women, 18-29 years of age, were randomly assigned to Project Stride or a no-treatment control. Participants completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale at baseline, immediate-post, and 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS:Project Stride was highly acceptable and feasible. Compared to control participants, those in Project Stride had significantly greater reductions in social anxiety scores from baseline to immediate-post [decrease of 24.8 points; t (9) = 3.40, P = .008)] and from baseline to follow-up [decrease of 31.8 points; t (9) = 4.12, P = .003)]. CONCLUSION: These findings support conducting a full-scale efficacy trial of Project Stride.
RCT Entities:
INTRODUCTION: Although there is evidence supporting the use of equine-assisted activities to treat mental disorders, its efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of social anxiety in young women has not been examined. METHOD: We developed and pilot tested Project Stride, a brief, six-session intervention combining equine-assisted activities and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce symptoms of social anxiety. A total of 12 women, 18-29 years of age, were randomly assigned to Project Stride or a no-treatment control. Participants completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale at baseline, immediate-post, and 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Project Stride was highly acceptable and feasible. Compared to control participants, those in Project Stride had significantly greater reductions in social anxiety scores from baseline to immediate-post [decrease of 24.8 points; t (9) = 3.40, P = .008)] and from baseline to follow-up [decrease of 31.8 points; t (9) = 4.12, P = .003)]. CONCLUSION: These findings support conducting a full-scale efficacy trial of Project Stride.
Authors: William R Marchand; Sarah J Andersen; Judy E Smith; Karl H Hoopes; Jennifer K Carlson Journal: Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks) Date: 2021-02-15