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Articles on Animal Assisted Therapy

Analysis of Child-Dog Play Behavior in Child Psychiatry. Prothmann, A., Albrecht, K., Dietrich, S., Hornfeck, U., Stieber, S., Ettrich, C. Anthrozoös. 2005; 18(1):43-58

Children have a natural affinity for animals and most often communicate with them nonverbally; nonverbal communication is authentic and difficult to influence deliberately. This study examines whether characteristic interaction patterns exist during pet-facilitated therapy with dogs, and whether these can be used for diagnosing psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Forty children and adolescents with anorexia, bulimia, anxiety disorder or autism (classified according to the International Classification of Diseases - ICD10) were monitored while in the same room as a therapy dog; their behavior during a 25-minute encounter was video-recorded and analyzed. The patients demonstrated significant diagnosis-specific behavioral differences; the greatest differences were found when the autistic patients were compared with the anxiety and eating disorder patients. The autistic children's behavior was characterized by many brief interaction phases, whereas anxiety disorder patients interacted less often, with longer lasting episodes. While autistic children showed greater fear of the dog, anxiety disorder patients were more afraid of inter-human contact. A discriminate analysis assigned 77.5% of the patients to the correct diagnostic group. Child-dog interaction analysis can provide a valuable contribution to the psycho-diagnosis of children and adolescents.

Assistance Dog Placement in the Pediatric Population: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations for Future Application. B. W. Davis, K. Nattrass, S. O’Brien, G. Patronek and M. MacCollin Center for Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, USA Tufts University Center for Children, USA, National Education for Assistance Dogs Services, USA Anthrozoos, 17 (2) 2004: 130-45

Assistance animals have long been recognized for their value in enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities by increasing the physical independence, confidence, and social lives of their handlers. Recently, this concept has been applied to the growing population of children with physical disabilities and developmental impairments, though the benefits and risks of these placements have not been thoroughly assessed. Our study used interviews to evaluate the outcome of placing assistance dogs in the pediatric population, looking specifically at the unique advantages and disadvantages of this application of the human–animal bond. We administered a structured interview assessing risks and benefits of assistance dog relationships to 17 families with a child under 18 years who graduated from a single provider (NEADS) over a five-year time period. Benefits were found in 88% of families, and were overwhelmingly social and cognitive, with additional physical and medical benefits for the pediatric client. However, risks, including behavioral, financial, and time/cost issues were significant, becoming a burden in 53% of families. Perhaps more than with adult placements, we found that it was of prime importance to understand the assistance animal in the context of the family, rather than just in relation to the individual with a disability. It is hoped that results of this and future studies will enhance the welfare of both client and assistance animal, as well as the overall success of this unique human–animal relationship. © 2004 International Society for Anthrozoology

Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children with Autism: A Pilot Investigation. Sams, M. J., Fortney, E. V., Willenbring, S. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60(3) 2006 May/Jun:268-74.

Abstract: 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.

Companion Animals in Palliative Care: Stories from the Bedside. Geisler, A.M. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2004 Jul-Aug; 21(4):285-8.

Research has shown that a companion animal or pet can help a person better cope with stressful life events, prevent loneliness, decrease depression, improve activities of daily living (ADLs), and increase social interactions. Pets in nursing homes have been associated with decreased psychotropic medication usage and a greater than 50 percent reduction in healthcare costs. Despite research in other areas of healthcare, there is limited data concerning the use of companion animals in palliative care. This article presents an overview of companion-animal-associated medical research as well as patient stories that illustrate the roles of companion animals in end-of-life care.

Observable Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy Using Dogs. Hjaltadóttir, I., Pétursdóttir, A. B., Saemundsdóttir, G., Vikingsdóttir, G. L., Atladóttir, I. International Psychogeriatrics, 15 Supplement.2, 2003: 283-4.

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe and evaluate the effects of animal-assisted therapy using dogs for the wellbeing of demented patients. Design: This is a qualitative study using the method of hermeneutic phenomenology as described by Max van Manen (1990). Materials and Methods: The participants were seven demented patients in two rehabilitation wards in the Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland. Once a week a dog with his owner would visit each ward for 30-60 minutes each the. Participant observation was undertaken to take note of the interaction between dog, patients, and the immediate surroundings. Focus groups of staff in both wards were formed and a relative of each patient was interviewed as well. Observations were documented and interviews and discussions in focus groups audiotaped and transcribed to generate text for interpretive analysis. The text was interpreted according to hermeneutic phenomenology as described by Max van Manen (1990). Results: Four main themes emerged from the text, each consisting of several sub themes. The main themes were: a) Awakening of feelings, b) Connecting to others, c) Remembering, and d) Focus of attention. The interaction with the dogs stimulated the patients’ emotional response, characterized by signs of happiness, such as smiling, as well as encouraging them to communicate in words and by touch. The patients seemed to grow accustomed to the presence of the dogs that rekindled memories of dogs or animals they had known long ago. Every time a dog would visit the ward something interesting seemed to be happening and as every one’s attention would be directed toward the dog. Certain calmness could be felt in the ward. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that animal-assisted therapy using dogs was beneficial to the patients. Animal-assisted therapy is therefore an important choice that should be available to demented elderly patients or nursing home residents. Meeting poster, 11th Congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association.

© 2005 Alice A. Amos, LMHC, CH
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Last Edited: Monday, September 15, 2008