Klontz, B., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The effectiveness of equine-assisted experiential therapy: Results of an open clinical trial. Society & Animals, 15(3), 257-267.
This article describes an equine-assisted experiential therapy approach and presents treatment outcomes in 31 participants in an equine-assisted, experiential therapy program. Participants completed psychological measures prior to treatment, immediately following treatment, and 6 months after treatment. Reported reductions in psychological distress and enhancements in psychological well being were significant immediately following treatment and were stable at 6-month follow-up. The article discusses the clinical implications and limitations of the present study and directions for further research.
Nimer, J. & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(3), 225-238.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been practiced for many years and there is now increasing interest in demonstrating its efficacy through research. To date, no known quantitative review of AAT studies has been published; our study sought to fill this gap. We conducted a comprehensive search of articles reporting on AAT in which we reviewed 250 studies, 49 of which met our inclusion criteria and were submitted to meta-analytic procedures. Overall, AAT was associated with moderate effect sizes in improving outcomes in four areas: Autism-spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems, and emotional well-being. Contrary to expectations, characteristics of participants and studies did not produce differential outcomes. AAT shows promise as an additive to established interventions and future research should investigate the conditions under which AAT can be most helpful.
**Interestingly, a different meta-analysis was published a few months ago in the same publication, looking at a smaller number of studies which covered both AAT and AAA, with similar results.
Souter, M.A. & Miller, M.D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(2), 167-180.
We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for reducing depressive symptoms in humans. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to demonstrate random assignment, include a comparison/control group, use AAA or AAT, use a self-report measure of depression, and report sufficient information to calculate effect sizes, a statistical standardization of the strength of a treatment effect. Five studies were identified for analysis. The aggregate effect size for these studies was of medium magnitude and statistically significant, indicating that AAA/AAT are associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This analysis revealed gaps in the research on AAA/AAT, which we attempted to identify in order to better understand the factors that make AAA and AAT effective at reducing depression.
How dogs influence the evaluation of psychotherapists.
Schneider, M. S.; Harley, L. P.
Anthrozoos. 2006. 19: 2, 128-142.
Research has shown that the presence of a companion animal reduces anxiety, encourages interaction among humans and enhances the way in which people are perceived. These are all effects which would be useful in a psychotherapeutic setting. On this basis the current study investigated the effect of the presence of a dog on the way in which people perceive psychotherapists. The study utilized an experimental design in which participants viewed a videotape of one of two therapists who were either with or without a dog.
Title: Therapeutic recreation for exceptional children: Let me in, I want to play (2nd ed.). Article: Broadening the impact of services and recreational therapies. Author(s): Fine, Aubrey H.;Lee, Julie;Zapf, Susan;Kriwin, Sherry
McPherson Library -- RJ53 R43T46; AVAILABLE
Title: Working with traumatized youth in child welfare / edited by Nancy Boyd Webb ; foreword by James R. Dumpson
ISBN: 159385224X (cloth)
McPherson Library -- RJ506 P66W67; AVAILABLE
Journal: Child & Youth Care Forum
Vol/Issue: 23 (2), Date: Apr 1, 1994, Page: 89 Article: Some of our best therapists are dogs. Author(s): Mallon, Gerald P.
Call Number: HV701 C52, Location: McPherson Library
Journal: American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Vol/Issue: 60 (3), Date: May 1, 2006, Page: 268 Article: Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children With Autism: A Pilot Investigation. Author(s): Sams, Mona J.;Fortney, Elizabeth V.;Willenbring, Stan
Call Number: RM735 A1A5, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Journal: Psychological Reports
Vol/Issue: 96 (3), Date: Jun 1, 2005, Page: 713 Article: Measuring Stress and Immune Response in Healthcare Professionals Following Interaction With a Therapy Dog: A Pilot Study. Author(s): Barker, Sandra B.;Knisely, Janet S.;McCain, Nancy L.;Best, Al M.
Call Number: BF1 P84, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Journal: Western Journal of Nursing Research
Vol/Issue: 24 (6), Date: Oct 1, 2002, Page: 657 Article: Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Author(s): Martin, FranA&ois;Farnum, Jennifer
Call Number: RT81.5 W4, Location: McPherson Library
Journal: Exceptional Parent
Vol/Issue: 35 (10), Date: Oct 1, 2005, Page: 38 Article: Why Animal Assisted Therapy Is Important for Children and Youth Author(s): Pitts, John L.
Call Number: HQ773 E93, Location: Basement Compact Shelving; Order cancelled
Dimensions of critical care nursing
Location: McPherson Library Call Number: RT120 I5D5
Connor K, Miller J. Animal-assisted therapy: an in-depth look. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2000;19(3): 20-6.
Title: Children and their environments: Learning, using and designing spaces. Article: Is contact with nature important for healthy child development? State of the evidence. Author(s): Taylor, Andrea Faber;Kuo, Frances E.
McPherson Library -- BF723 S63C4355; AVAILABLE
Title: Companion animals in human health. Article: The role of companion animals in human development. Author(s): Melson, Gail F.
McPherson Library -- RC931 A65C65; AVAILABLE
Cute and cuddly and a whole lot more? A call for empirical investigation into the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction for children.
Fawcett, Nicholas R., Monash U, Monash, VIC, Australia
Gullone, Eleonora
Behaviour Change, Vol 18(2), 2001. pp. 124-133.
There are many indications that humans have a tendency to affiliate with nature and to connection emotionally with non-human species. Research has also shown that humans can benefit significantly from their relationships with non-human animals (NHAs). For example, studies have indicated that even the mere observation of NHAs can result in reduced physiological responding to stressors and increased positive mood. The present review proposes that findings such as these may provide important information regarding the potential benefits to be derived from incorporating NHAs into intervention strategies, particularly for children. Of specific relevance for children is their fascination with, and attraction to, NHAs. There is also the very nonjudgmental nature of human-animal interactions (i,e., unconditional positive regard) that has been argued, among other benefits, to serve as a useful 'bridge' for the establishment of rapport between therapist and child. However, despite promising avenues of investigation, the area of animal-assisted intervention remains largely neglected by researchers. This paper also calls for sound empirical investigation into proposals regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of incorporating NHAs into psychological intervention programs for children.
Companion animals alleviating distress in children.
Hansen, Kristine M., U Nebraska, Medical Ctr, Omaha, NE, US
Messinger, Cathy J.
Baun, Mara M.
Megel, Mary
Anthrozoös, Vol 12(3), 1999. pp. 142-148.
Physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children aged 2-6 yrs undergoing a physical examination were examined with and without the presence of a companion dog. Thirty-four (14 males, 20 females) children were assigned randomly either to a treatment group in which a therapy dog was present during their examinations or to a control group which had the usual pediatric exam without a dog present. Physiological variables (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, heart rate, and finger tip temperatures) were measured at baseline and at 2-minute intervals during each examination. Ss were videotaped during the examination for analysis of behavioral distress, using the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress (OSBD). Physiological measurements were not statistically significantly different between the dog and no-dog groups but were found no to be good measures of physiologic arousal in this age group. There was statistically significantly less behavioral distress when the dog was present. These findings indicate that the presence of a companion dog could lower the behavioral distress of children during a laboratory simulated physical examination.
Journal: Child & Youth Care Forum
Vol/Issue: 23 (2), Date: Apr 1, 1994, Page: 89 Article: Some of our best therapists are dogs. Author(s): Mallon, Gerald P.
Call Number: HV701 C52, Location: McPherson Library
Journal: Journal of Child & Youth Care
Vol/Issue: 8 (3), Date: Jan 1, 1993, Page: 87 Article: Talking to the animal. Author(s): Hoelscher, Kathleen;Garfat, Thom
Call Number: HV701 J6, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Journal: American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Vol/Issue: 60 (3), Date: May 1, 2006, Page: 268 Article: Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children With Autism: A Pilot Investigation. Author(s): Sams, Mona J.;Fortney, Elizabeth V.;Willenbring, Stan
Call Number: RM735 A1A5, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Journal: Activities, Adaptation & Aging
Vol/Issue: 30 (1), Date: Jan 1, 2005, Page: 61 Article: The Evaluation of an Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention for Elders with Dementia in Long-Term Care. Author(s): Sellers, Debra M.
Call Number: RC952 A1A25, Location: McPherson Library; Order cancelled
Journal: Psychological Reports
Vol/Issue: 83 (3), Date: Dec 1, 1998, Page: 1011 Article: Pets and health. Author(s): Brasic, James Robert
Call Number: BF1 P84, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Journal: Childhood Education
Vol/Issue: 81 (3), Date: Mar 1, 2005, Page: 152 Article: 'WHAT ARE ALL THESE DOGS DOING AT SCHOOL?'. Author(s): Jalongo, Mary Renck
Call Number: LB1141 C5, Location: McPherson Library; Current issues in Periodicals
Introduction to working with animalassisted crisis response animal handler teams.
Greenbaum, Susan D.,
International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, Vol 8(1), Win 2006. pp. 49-64.
AnimalAssisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a discipline closely related to AnimalAssistedTherapy (AAT), which gives crisis intervention teams, counselors, clergy, and other trained professionals an additional means with which to help people affected by crisis. AACR is a relatively new field, but can be effective when utilized as part of an overall incident response program. AACR teams can be used, for example, to establish rapport, build therapeutic bridges, normalize the experience, and act as a calming agent or as a catalyst for physical movement. Effective AACR requires a common language between the AACR teams and crisis counselors. The training requirements, versatility, limitations, and establishment of AACR teams are also addressed.
Prison-Based Animal Programs: A National Survey.
Furst, Gennifer,
Prison Journal, Vol 86(4), Dec 2006. pp. 407-430.
Although animals appear to be increasingly incorporated into correctional programming, the field has failed to systematically study the phenomenon. The present research is an initial attempt to capture the extent to which these types of programs are being administered in U.S. prisons through a national survey of state correctional systems. The research regarding the potential therapeutic effects of animals and what we know about prison-based animal programs (PAPs) are reviewed. Among the results: The programs are in most states, are most commonly of a community service design that uses dogs, are more likely to involve male than female participants, and most were established after 2000. Livestock care/prison farms emerge as a unique type of PAP.
Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children With Autism: A Pilot Investigation.
Sams, Mona J.,
Fortney, Elizabeth V.,
Willenbring, Stan,
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol 60(3), May-Jun 2006. pp. 268-274.
This investigation compared language use and social interaction in children with autism receiving two forms of occupational therapy: occupational therapy using standard techniques, and occupational therapy incorporating animals. Twenty-two children between the ages of 7 and 13 received both forms of therapy in a school-based occupational therapy program for children with autism. Results suggest that the children demonstrated significantly greater use of language and significantly greater social interaction in sessions incorporating animals when compared to sessions using exclusively standard occupational therapy techniques. Findings are discussed in the context of recent research that has highlighted the importance of enhancing the motivation of children with autism to engage actively in therapeutic and learning processes.
Pet therapy and institutionalized elderly: A study on 144 cognitively unimpaired subjects.
Colombo, Giovanni,
Buono, Marirosa Dello,
Smania, Katya,
Raviola, Roberta,
De Leo, Diego,
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Vol 42(2), Mar-Apr 2006. pp. 207-216.
The aim of this study was to assess whether a pet therapy program had a favorable effect on psychopathological status and perception of quality of life in cognitively unimpaired institutionalized elderly. Seven elderly rest homes in Veneto Region of Northern Italy participated in the project, which was conducted on 144 cognitively intact elderly residents (97 females and 47 males). The participants were randomly divided into three groups: 48 subjects were given a canary, 43 subjects were given a plant, and 53 subjects were given nothing. The observation period (t0-t1) lasted for 3 months. At time t0 and t1 participants were administered the mini mental state examination (MMSE) to assess their cognitive status, the LEIPAD II-Short Version (LEIPAD-SV), to gauge subjective perception of quality of life in the elderly, and the brief symptom inventory (BSI), for self-evaluation of the presence of psychopathological symptoms. At the end of the 3-month trial, tests were re-administered, without removing the experimental condition. Even if the group that received a plant seemed to benefit from the experience, they did not achieve the same positive results on BSI and quality of life subscales exhibited by the group that received a pet. This study reinforces the hypothesis that pet therapy may have a beneficial effect on the psychological well being of institutionalized elderly, in particular on aspects related to depressive symptoms and perception of quality of life.
Alternative Therapies for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs.
Gasalberti, Denise,
Journal of Pediatric Health Care, Vol 20(2), Mar-Apr 2006. pp. 133-136.
Aside from the well-known interventions, there are many other therapies Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) can be helped with. Animals have been used with success in therapies such as animal-assisted psychotherapy, in which animals such as dogs, cats, and birds are used to help those with psychological problems. Positive interaction with animals, even if it is just one's physical presence with them or an empathetic feeling toward them, seems to benefit children. Hippotherapy uses the unique movement of a horse to achieve a child's health care goals. Children receive a therapeutic benefit simply by sitting on the horse. As they work to maintain balance, they receive numerous additional therapeutic benefits--physical, developmental and social. Music therapy uses music as a tool to induce positive behavioral changes. It is particularly useful with autistic children in the area of speech remediation. There is much in the scientific literature to illustrate the positive effects of music. The goal of most massage therapy is relaxation. Massage therapy has been shown to benefit children with a wide variety of disorders. Craniosacral massage corrects and restore the flow of cerebral spinal fluid through the head and spine and lymphatic massage improves the flow of lymph. Light therapy has for many years been used to treat newborn jaundice and seasonal affective disorder. Color therapy uses human sensitivity to color to identify imbalances in energy patterns. Color is believed to have specific physical, emotional, and spiritual effects on human beings
Hatch, A. (2007). The view from all fours: A look at an animal-assisted therapy program from the animals' perspective. Anthrozoos, 20(1), 37-50.
In recent decades, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activity(AAA) programs have gained in popularity. A growing literature documents the benefits of AAT/AAA for humans. The prevalent perspective for AAT/AAA research is "what can non-human animals do for us?" with no apparent consideration to what such programs may do for, or to, the animals involved. Ample research reveals that animals are minded actors with the capacity to feel complex emotions. Consequently, AAT/AAA programs should benefit the animals as well as the humans involved. Based on interviews with human volunteers in an animal shelter's AAA program and participant observation in the same program, this paper investigates the animals' experience in AAA. Specifically, this study discusses the use of shelter animals as "volunteer therapists" and concludes that AAT/AAA programs raise numerous concerns for the animals involved. These findings indicate the need for more attention to the experience of animals in AAT/AAA programs.
The Moral Basis of Animal-AssistedTherapy.
:Zamir, Tzachi,’
Zamir, T. (2006). The moral basis of animal-assisted therapy. Society & Animals, Vol 14(2), 2006. pp. 179-199.
Is nonhuman animal-assistedtherapy (AAT) a form of exploitation? After exploring possible moral vindications of AAT and after establishing a distinction between "use" and "exploitation," the essay distinguishes between forms of animal-assistedtherapy that are morally unobjectionable and those modes of it that ought to be abolished.
Haubenhofer, D. K.; Kirchengast, S. (2006). Physiological arousal for companion dogs working with their owners in animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 9(2), 165-172.
This study investigated the physiological reactions of companion dogs (Canis familiaris) used in animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy by measuring salivary cortisol concentrations. The dog caregivers (owners) collected saliva samples (a) at 3 control days without therapeutic work, (b) directly before and after each therapeutic session during 3 consecutive months, and (c) again at 3 control days without therapeutic work. The study used an enzyme immunoassay to analyze the samples. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher during therapy days than on control days. Dogs working during the first half of the day produced higher cortisol concentrations after therapeutic sessions than before, whereas dogs working in the afternoon produced lower cortisol concentrations. Cortisol concentrations were higher in short sessions than in long ones and increased relative to the number of therapeutic sessions done during the sampling period. The results indicate that therapeutic work was physiologically arousing for the dogs in this study. Whether these physiological responses are indicative of potentially negative stress or of positive excitement remains an open question.