Text in English / Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) used to treat individuals’ psychological problems. EAP is an interactive process in which a licensed mental health practitioner, a credentialed equine professional and suitable equines work together to address psychotherapy goals. Since the 1990s, research on EAP has grown rapidly in the United States of America (USA) and Europe, however research in the South African context is lacking. This descriptive and exploratory research study explored and described the experiences of licensed mental health practitioners and/or credentialed equine specialists who have included EAP within their practise by focusing on the role that equines play within the psychotherapeutic process. The knowledge of this study was derived from a Constructivistic epistemology. Constructivism argues that humans attain and build knowledge and meaning from their experiences. Participants were selected based on purposeful criterion sampling. Only licensed mental health practitioners or credentialed equine specialists who included EAP within their practise, registered at the Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Institute of South Africa (EAPISA) or the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) were considered for participation. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with six participants. A post-interview follow-up email was used to gain additional feedback from each participant. Finally, data was analysed using thematic analysis. As EAP is a fairly new modality of therapy within South Africa, the contribution of this study is to add to the growing body of professional EAP literature. Thematic analysis identified seven main themes: shifting dynamics in the therapeutic relationship, setting the scene for storytelling, the equine as an intermediary and therapeutic tool, what the equine sees is what you get, instantaneous but lasting results, variations and similarities in approach and activities, the emotive motives of EAP practitioners. These themes are discussed in relation to the research findings. Findings of this study showed substantial agreement in what the equine brings to the psychotherapeutic session: unique equine attributes, opportunities for metaphorical learning, and relational aspects. The participants demonstrated a consensus in the belief that EAP can be beneficial to a large spectrum of psychotherapeutic populations in South Africa. A recommendation for future research is for larger, international studies that explore the viewpoints of psychotherapists who practice equine therapies in other countries in order to expand the knowledge base and address the competency and standards discussion in the EAP field. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

В данной выпускной квалификационной работе исследуется развитие межкультурной компетенции у иностранных студентов с использованием цифровых технологий. В условиях глобализации и диджитализации, цифровые технологии играют важную роль в образовательном процессе, способствуя улучшению межкультурного взаимодействия. Исследование включает теоретический анализ и опытно-поисковую работу, проводимую с китайскими студентами, изучающими русский язык как иностранный (РКИ) в УрФУ. Основное внимание уделяется использованию интерактивной платформы Padlet для формирования межкультурной компетенции. В работе разработана программа межкультурного тренинга, включающая комплекс упражнений, направленных на развитие данной компетенции. Результаты исследования показывают, что интеграция цифровых технологий в процесс обучения русский язык как иностранный способствует эффективному развитию межкультурной компетенции, улучшает мотивацию и адаптацию студентов к новому культурному контексту. Актуальность темы исследования обусловлена практической потребностью в поиске новых методик и технологий преподавания иностранных языков для развития межкультурной компетенции у студентов в эпоху диджитализации образования. Цель исследования – определить и обосновать эффективность использования онлайн-сервиса для развития межкультурной компетенции у студентов в процессе обучения русскому языку как иностранному. / This final qualification paper examines the development of intercultural competence among international students using digital technologies. In the context of globalization and digitalization, digital technologies play an important role in the educational process, contributing to the improvement of intercultural interaction. The research includes theoretical analysis and experimental research work conducted with Chinese students studying Russian as a foreign language (RCT) at UrFU. The main focus is on the use of the interactive Padlet platform for the formation of intercultural competence. The work has developed an intercultural training program, which includes a set of exercises aimed at developing this competence. The results of the study show that the integration of digital technologies into the Russian as a Foreign Language learning process contributes to the effective development of intercultural competence, improves motivation and adaptation of students to a new cultural context. The purpose of the study is to determine and substantiate the effectiveness of using an online service for the development of intercultural competence among students in the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language.