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Benefits of AAT





History and background



Historically, the benefits of human-animal interactions were thought to be largely 'feel-good' in nature. As early as the 1700's and 1800's animals were incorporated into the therapeutic milieu of 'mental hospitals' in Europe and England. It was thought that caring for animals would give the patients both a useful function and a chance to learn care-giving and self control – animals were seen to have a calming influence. The 1900's saw a resurgence of interest in human-animal interactions when an Air Force Convalescent Hospital in the USA saw benefits in farm animals and nature. Here began the study of what has been variously known as pet-therapy, animal-facilitated therapy, animal-facilitated psychotherapy, and pet-facilitated psychotherapy among others - what we now call animal-assisted therapy or AAT.

Most of the research of the 1960's and 1970's was based on anecdotal cases and relied heavily on simple observations and case studies. In the 1960's, pioneering psychiatrist Boris Levinson actively incorporated his pet dog in therapy sessions with "disturbed children". He was perhaps the first person to attempt formal investigation into what he referred to as pet-therapy. He found that animals could be catalytic agents in therapy and could aid in the orientation and connection to reality, particularly for those suffering schizophrenia or autism. Levinson also stated that pet animals in homes could restore healthy communication in the families of disturbed children. He contends that companion (and residential) animals teach responsible, independent behaviours and non-gendered care-giving.



Facilitating engagement and rapport



Throughout the 1980's there was a strong push from interested professionals to provide more than anecdotal evidence to support what many claim to know instinctively – interacting with animals makes us feel good. Quasi-experimental studies and well written case reports began to emerge demonstrating support for the notion that animal-assisted therapy could provide an adjunct to traditional therapies and were particularly effective at facilitating engagement and rapport. The presence of animals appears to have a 'social lubricant' effect. People tend to talk and interact more in the presence of an animal. Within therapy, animals may facilitate relationships between clients and therapists. For example, the therapist may appear less threatening and is able to role model appropriate care-giving and nurturing behaviours which make the client feel more at-ease. Animals can be a catalyst for discussions, for example in story-telling or use of metaphor. Having an animal in the room also seems to draw out isolated, withdrawn or anxious individuals.

Outside the therapy room animals can also reduce isolation and loneliness. They can act as a confidant, a provider of 'unconditional positive regard', they can motivate individuals to exercise and socialise. Studies have shown that disabled individuals out and about with their assistance dogs are much more likely to have conversations and social interactions than those without dogs.

This type of connection between humans and animals may be explained by the Biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an intrinsic and biological imperative to connect with nature, a need for attention and connection. This notion is supported by research suggesting that animals may act as attachment figures, providing love, touch and companionship. People in turn provide nurturance and care-giving, share confidences and foster a special and unique relationship with their pets. This may be especially true for children and young people, who have been found to attach readily to companion animals and even visiting animals.



Physical and Physiological benefits



By the 1990's, the notion that animals make many of us feel good was being supported by physiological data. Studies examining heart rate and stress chemicals for example, showed that even relatively brief interactions with a pet (usually dogs) produced measurable beneficial effects. Longer-term interactions, such as pet ownership or companionship have been found to result in positive cardiac outcomes, such as living longer and recovering faster after a heart attack than non-owners. Elderly animal owners were also found to make fewer visits to their doctors, even during times of stress.

Interactions with visiting-animals has also been shown to have an impact, as has the mere presence of animals in certain situations. The presence of a friendly dog may assist coping with stressful situations, for example helping adults or children to feel more at ease during doctors' visits or medical procedures. People have also been found to perform better on mental challenges such as maths problems when a friendly dog is present. Even watching animals may produce beneficial effects, for example a drop in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate when observing birds (aviary) or fish (tropical fish tank).

The presence of adult dogs or puppies in nursing homes has had positive impacts on residents suffering Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Studies indicate less overall noise and aggression, decreased heart rates and increases in meaningful verbalisations and social interactions from residents.

Some researchers feel these positive physiological impacts can be explained by the fact that animals can fulfil humans' innate need for attention, affection and affiliation with others. It has been suggested that human-animal interaction results in a positive feedback loop that affects humans' autonomic and sympathetic nervous systems, thereby reducing stress and anxiety chemicals. Researchers contend that between 5 and 25 minutes of positive interaction with a friendly dog can have positive impacts on BP, plasma triglycerides, skin conductance and various stress chemicals. They even contend that similar benefits may be produced in the dogs.

It is likely however, that many of these results rely on a goodness-of-fit between the human and the animal. That is, if pet ownership produces undue stress or responsibilities beyond the capacity of the individual, any positive effects are likely to be ameliorated. Similarly one is unlikely to feel relaxed or at ease when patting an animal they are afraid of, or averse to – for example no measurable drop in blood pressure is found when subjects look at pictures of wild animals, versus positive responses when looking at 'cute' animals. The perception of 'safety' has also been found to impact positively on BP and stress physiology. The personal history and culture of the individual is also likely to influence this effect. Animals considered dirty, evil, or fierce are unwise matches. To some degree then, benefits are likely to mediated by the degree of attachment between owner and animal. There may also be some impacts associated with physical exertion, although the data to date is inconclusive. Whilst calm interaction has been found to moderate stress, results of active physical interaction are inconclusive.



Psychological and emotional benefits



Data is also emerging to support the mental health, cognitive, social and emotional benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Research supports AAT as a useful method of stress and anxiety reduction, increased social interactions & motivation, improved mood, reduced aggression and continues to lend support to earlier notions of enhancing rapport and engagement.

Studies conducted in adult psychiatric hospitals show a range of benefits to patients. AAT programmes have been found to increase pro-social behaviours and functioning for up to 12 months post the intervention. Other benefits found have been reductions in anxiety, depression and anhedonia and increased functioning and self-esteem. AAT programmes also attract the highest attendance rates and have above-average retention rates. Studies examining patient's stress prior to medical procedures found that 15 minutes of simple interaction with a dog produces a positive "feel good" response and by 30 minutes shows a reduction in 'state anxiety'.

Studies conducted across a variety of settings support the above findings for adults and children. Dog training AAT programmes run in adult prisons have shown great improvements in self-efficacy via achievement, having a social role or function and thereby improving self-worth and self-esteem. With younger prison populations similar programmes have shown social skill development and cognitive development via learning tasks and impulse control. Research indicates that dog training and animal care programmes (e.g. farm based programmes) facilitate behavioural control for disinhibited or impulsive young people and result in a drop in oppositional and aggressive behaviours. They help develop emotional regulation, self-awareness and skill development further resulting in improved social skills (pro-social behaviours and verbalisations) and empathy (especially in humane education). Farm-based programmes may have additional benefits in that they can explore life-cycle issues including parenting, grief and loss and social/pack behaviours.

There is less research focusing on one-to-one counselling based interventions. Anecdotal and case study reports do indicate many benefits such as those listed above. One research project comparing psychotherapy to AAT based counselling with adolescents actually contends that AAT is better than psychotherapy alone in the treatment of depression.

Animal-assisted therapy programmes can be tailored and applied to various populations and needs. There is a wealth of ideas and research available to those who wish to explore the field.

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