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Animals
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Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals
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Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Human-Animal Interactions, Animal Behaviour and Emotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 18429

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gretchen Good

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Interests: disability; advocacy; service dogs; disasters and disability; health care access
Dr. Polly Yeung

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Social Work, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Interests: health and wellbeing in aging; citizenship; social work education; veterinary social work; animal-assisted human wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal-assisted therapies have seen a rapid increase in research interest since about 1980. Researchers from around the world have explored the human–animal bond phenomenon throughout the years, beginning with veterinarian researchers and now encompassing researchers from education, disability, human services, occupational therapy, and health disciplines. There is still much more to be explored, including the lived experience of disabled people, older people, and children in relation to the benefits they can derive from relationships with dogs or other assistance animals. Your research may expand international understanding and bring the discipline of animal-assisted therapy beyond a promising alternative therapy, into the realm of a more highly developed and utilized intervention to improve wellbeing, life satisfaction, happiness, and quality of life.

We invite original research papers that address the use of animal-assisted therapy and its benefits to adults, children, and therapists. Topics may include the use of animals in hospital and ICU settings, in clinical, residential, school, community, and other settings.

Dr. Gretchen Good
Dr. Polly Yeung
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • animal-assisted therapy
  • pet therapy
  • mental health benefits
  • physical health benefits
  • hospital interventions
  • human-animal bond

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1480 KiB  
Article
Management of Donkeys in Assisted Interventions: A Snapshot
by Lucia Sobrero, Emanuela Dalla Costa and Michela Minero
Animals 2024, 14(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050670 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 688
Abstract
People working in the field of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) often state that they perceive animal welfare as a matter of paramount importance; nevertheless, most scientific literature focuses on the effectiveness of interventions from the user’s perspective. Before focusing on the animals’ management and [...] Read more.
People working in the field of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) often state that they perceive animal welfare as a matter of paramount importance; nevertheless, most scientific literature focuses on the effectiveness of interventions from the user’s perspective. Before focusing on the animals’ management and welfare during their interactions with users, it is important to ensure animal welfare during their “ordinary lives”. This article reports information and considerations about the management of donkeys involved in AAIs in Northern Italy. Six facilities with several years of experience in Donkey-Assisted Interventions were visited for the purpose of an initial data collection regarding the management of donkeys involved in AAIs. Some knowledge gaps regarding the nutritional needs of the donkey and its preventive medicine have been identified; this study also highlighted a need for efforts to create a more stimulating and enriched environment for animals involved in AAIs. Some possible areas for improvement in the management of donkeys involved in AAIs have been highlighted. Further studies are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of the welfare of donkeys involved in this context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
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7 pages, 779 KiB  
Communication
Children’s Relationships with a Non-Vertebrate Animal: The Case of a Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica) at School
by Katharina Hirschenhauser and Lisa Brodesser
Animals 2023, 13(9), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091575 - 8 May 2023
Viewed by 1615
Abstract
Employing living animals in educational settings is popular and may assist learning. Human-animal relationships are considered fundamental for the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on successful learning. Key studies on AAI emphasize dogs, or other large-brained vertebrates, while AAI with non-vertebrate species is [...] Read more.
Employing living animals in educational settings is popular and may assist learning. Human-animal relationships are considered fundamental for the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on successful learning. Key studies on AAI emphasize dogs, or other large-brained vertebrates, while AAI with non-vertebrate species is a yet rather unexplored field. However, bringing non-vertebrate species to school has ethical and practical advantages. In an exploratory study, we tested whether seven-years-old children would form caregiving relationships with a Giant African land snail (Achatina fulica). Prior to the survey, the snail had been kept inside a terrarium in the classroom for seven months. We employed a questionnaire for measuring children’s pet attachment to assess the children’s relationships with the snail. The observed relationship scores with the snail were intermediate to high and did not differ from same-aged children’s attachment scores with their dogs, cats, and rabbits. No differences due to gender were observed. Children potentially developed caregiving attitudes and empathy towards the snail, and thus, the presented results indicate potential benefits from employing a non-vertebrate species in educational settings, as well as for animal-assisted therapy. The specific features of A. fulica are discussed in the frame of human-animal interactions, learning, and anthropomorphism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
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24 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Examining the Impact of Virtual Animal Stimuli on College Students’ Affect and Perception of their Academic Advising Experience
by Elizabeth A. Johnson, Sheetal Survase and Peter B. Gray
Animals 2023, 13(9), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091522 - 1 May 2023
Viewed by 2154
Abstract
The benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) involving animals in therapy are widely accepted. The presence of animals in therapy can decrease a patient’s reservation about therapy and promote a sense of comfort and rapport during the therapy process. Using survey data from college [...] Read more.
The benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) involving animals in therapy are widely accepted. The presence of animals in therapy can decrease a patient’s reservation about therapy and promote a sense of comfort and rapport during the therapy process. Using survey data from college students (n = 152) attending a large public four-year institution, this study is the first to investigate the benefits of virtual animal stimuli during academic advising appointments. It posits that exposure to virtual animal stimuli can influence positive mental health and well-being in academic advising settings. Specifically, the research questions explored how different types of video content influence students’ affect and how virtual animal stimuli impact students’ perception of their advisor and university. College students were randomly assigned to watch one of four types of virtual stimuli (wild animals, companion animals, nature, and a control) prior to their advising session. Subjective measures were collected at baseline and after the advising session. Results indicated animal stimuli increase positive affect, and companion animal stimuli influence the student’s perception of the advisor. This study supports the notion that companion animal videos positively impact students’ well-being and interactions with their advisors and may have broader implications beyond the academic setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
12 pages, 1233 KiB  
Article
Animal-Assisted Interventions and Animal Welfare—An Exploratory Survey in Germany
by Katharina Ameli, Theresa F. Braun and Stephanie Krämer
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081324 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2714
Abstract
Background: Animals play a crucial role in social occupational fields. The positive effects of animals are described in theory and practice. However, the significance of animal welfare in animal-assisted intervention settings has not yet been extensively researched, so that the aim of this [...] Read more.
Background: Animals play a crucial role in social occupational fields. The positive effects of animals are described in theory and practice. However, the significance of animal welfare in animal-assisted intervention settings has not yet been extensively researched, so that the aim of this explorative study was to investigate the perception and significance as well as the understanding of animal welfare and its implementation on the part of professionals working with animals. Methods: In the present project, 270 animal-assisted professionals from Germany were interviewed about their individual perceptions of animal welfare and their implementation of animal welfare with the help of questionnaires with closed questions (5-point agreement scale) and open questions. The quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS and MS Excel. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic coding. Results: The quantitative and qualitative results show that animal welfare poses high importance for people working in animal-assisted interventions. The structure and design of assignments, animal-related aspects and conditions, and education and knowledge are mentioned as generally relevant conditions for ensuring animal welfare from the perspective of animal-assisted intervention practitioners. In addition, different concrete courses of action to ensure animal welfare are described, which are characterized as stopping or changing the setting at different levels. Conclusions: Animal welfare plays a central role for professionals working with animals. However, further studies are necessary in order to record other animal welfare-relevant aspects in the animal-assisted interventions, depending on the respective animal species, and to examine the implementation of animal welfare-related measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
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10 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
Selection of Appropriate Dogs to Be Therapy Dogs Using the C-BARQ
by Mayu Sakurama, Miki Ito, Yumiko Nakanowataru and Takanori Kooriyama
Animals 2023, 13(5), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050834 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2731
Abstract
In recent years, therapy dogs in medical and assisted living facilities have become popular in Japan, and the demand for such dogs has increased. However, some owners have their dogs take this test, which evaluates the dog’s talent, without understanding what is required [...] Read more.
In recent years, therapy dogs in medical and assisted living facilities have become popular in Japan, and the demand for such dogs has increased. However, some owners have their dogs take this test, which evaluates the dog’s talent, without understanding what is required of the test. The system needs to teach owners in an understandable way whether their dog is suitable to become a therapy dog so that the owners can determine if their dog is ready to be tested. Therefore, we suggest that easy at-home testing is likely to encourage dog owners to apply for their dog to take the aptitude test. If more dogs take the test, more therapy dogs can be born. The purpose of this study was to identify the personality traits of therapy dogs that pass the aptitude test by using the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ was administered to dogs that previously passed the aptitude test for therapy training at the Hokkaido Volunteer Dog Association, assessing their behavioural displays. A factor analysis was conducted for each questionnaire item, and a total of 98 items were analyzed. Data were collected from the results of 110 dogs encompassing 30 dog breeds, with the most common breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Toy Poodles. Factor analysis revealed that 14 extracted factors should be evaluated. Given these personality traits and the fact that breed and age did not influence aptitude, we believe that a variety of dogs have the potential to become therapy dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
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13 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
Assistance Dogs for People with Younger (Early)-Onset Dementia: The Family Carer’s Experience
by Genée Marks and Keith R. McVilly
Animals 2023, 13(5), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050777 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1670
Abstract
There is growing evidence for trained assistance dogs promoting the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in a variety of circumstances, including for those with dementia. Little is known about people with younger (early)-onset dementia (YOD) and family carers. As part [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence for trained assistance dogs promoting the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in a variety of circumstances, including for those with dementia. Little is known about people with younger (early)-onset dementia (YOD) and family carers. As part of a larger study involving 14 people with YOD matched with trained assistance dogs over a two-year period, we report analyses of interviews with 10 family carers conducted on multiple occasions investigating their experience with an assistance dog. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. They told a range of experiences; the good and the challenging. Findings fell into three areas: the human–animal bond; relationship dynamics; and responsibility for caring. Concerns were raised with respect to the resources required of carers together with the financial resources needed to support an assistance dog. The study concludes that trained assistance dogs can play an important role promoting the health and wellbeing of both people with YOD and of their family carers. However, support needs to be in place as the circumstances of the family member with YOD changes and the role of the assistance dog as part of the family also changes. Practical (financial) support of a scheme such as the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could be important to sustaining such support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
10 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Human–Animal Bond Generated in a Brief Animal-Assisted Therapy Intervention in Adolescents with Mental Health Disorders
by Maylos Rodrigo-Claverol, Marta Manuel-Canals, Luis Lucio Lobato-Rincón, Natalia Rodriguez-Criado, Maite Roman-Casenave, Elisabet Musull-Dulcet, Esther Rodrigo-Claverol, Josep Pifarré and Yvette Miró-Bernaus
Animals 2023, 13(3), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030358 - 20 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5878
Abstract
Background: The human–animal bond is crucial for the proper development of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions. However, in specific cases such as in AAT focused on psychiatric patients who are admitted to acute units, there is only a short period of time available to [...] Read more.
Background: The human–animal bond is crucial for the proper development of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions. However, in specific cases such as in AAT focused on psychiatric patients who are admitted to acute units, there is only a short period of time available to establish this bond. Objectives: To assess the degree of HAB generated after two AAT sessions in adolescents admitted to acute psychiatry units. Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study aimed at adolescents aged 13 to 17 years admitted to the acute child and adolescent psychiatry unit of three hospitals. Intervention: Two weekly 1 h group sessions of AAT with therapy dogs. Main outcome: The Center for the Study of Animal Wellness Pet Bonding Scale Survey (CSAWPB). Results: One hundred and fourteen adolescents participated. A positive perception of the dog was generated, achieving a good level of bonding and attachment. Conclusions: The results obtained make it possible to affirm that a short period of time is enough to establish a good HAB between patients and therapy dogs. This study aims to contribute to the study of non-pharmacological interventions as a complement to pharmacological treatments in adolescents with mental health disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)
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