Animal-Assisted Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Survey Of French Facilities, 2018 Clinique vétérinaire Saint Antoine, Chesnay; École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse
Animal-Assisted Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Survey Of French Facilities, Claire Philippe-Peyroutet, Marine Grandgeorge
People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice
Our survey of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) offered by French intervention facilities aimed to examine and describe the range of AAI for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. We invited 2,302 facilities to reply to an online questionnaire. The responses to our survey (n = 386) revealed that animals were used extensively as a complementary intervention. Most AAI sessions were in groups. Various animal species (especially horses and dogs) and facility staff members as well as external collaborators were involved. Numerous benefits (e.g., enhanced well-being, self-esteem, and socialization) were reported. Facilities face difficulties in connection with AAI including finances, staffing, and …
The Efficacy Of Equine Assisted Therapy In The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2018 University of Maine
The Efficacy Of Equine Assisted Therapy In The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Amy Hofmann
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the effects of equine-assisted psychotherapies in children with an autism spectrum disorder. The CARS-2 and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire parent-report questionnaires were used for evaluation, as well open-ended questions. A single researcher contacted and visited many PATH-certified centers in the United States. Facilities that participated were all located in the Mid-Atlantic to Northeast region. There were 16 participants, from 11 different farms, that completed both the initial and follow-up questionnaires which were given 7 weeks apart. A $25 Amazon gift card was used as an incentive to increase participation. Participating facilities also completed a questionnaire.
Overall, results …
Prison Rehabilitation: The Sociological, Physiological, And Psychological Effects Of Animal-Assisted Interventions, 2018 San Jose State University
Prison Rehabilitation: The Sociological, Physiological, And Psychological Effects Of Animal-Assisted Interventions, Daisy Corleto
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
This paper examines animal-assisted interventions as a new form of rehabilitation in the prison setting. It focuses specifically on the multiple benefits that this form of therapy/intervention can bring to inmates, such as the reduction in recidivism and the acquirement of new skills. Additionally, this paper considers the reasons for which rehabilitation in general is necessary in order to truly transform an individual. The first section provides a brief history of AAI in the prison environment and its effects on the prisoners. The paper then transitions to an account of analyzing the sociological, physiological, and psychological effects of AAI on …
Is Therapy Going To The Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy For Early Identified At-Risk Children, 2018 Portland State University
Is Therapy Going To The Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy For Early Identified At-Risk Children, Leah Faith Brookner
Dissertations and Theses
This study explores the historical context of human-animal relationships and examines the important ways that humans benefit from various types of interactions with domesticated animals. Therapeutic approaches that incorporate animals have been shown to have multiple benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Although this area of study is still largely overlooked in scientific fields of study, including social work, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has become increasingly prevalent in various mental health settings. Despite its popularity and anecdotal support, research on the benefits of AAT with children is minimal; there are no studies examining the ways in which this approach …
The Predictors Of Juvenile Recidivism: Testimonies Of Adult Students 18 Years And Older Exiting From Alternative Education, 2018 Brandman University
The Predictors Of Juvenile Recidivism: Testimonies Of Adult Students 18 Years And Older Exiting From Alternative Education, La Toshia Palmer
Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative study was to identify and describe the importance of the predictors of juvenile recidivism and the effectiveness of efforts to prevent/avoid juvenile recidivism as perceived by previously detained, arrested, convicted, and/or incarcerated adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education in Northern California. A second purpose was to explore the types of support provided by alternative schools and the perceived importance of the support to avoid recidivism according to adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education.
Methodology: This qualitative, descriptive research design identified …
Therapeutic Riding And Psychological Health In Older Adults, 2018 University of Southern Maine
Therapeutic Riding And Psychological Health In Older Adults, Alyssa Pattison, Craig Ashford
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
This project explores the available quantitative and qualitative research to see if there is a link between therapeutic horseback riding and the reduction in symptoms of depression in older adults. Currently, there is a gap in evidence based research surrounding older populations with depression and therapeutic riding. However, research gathered on adolescents and adults suggest that therapeutic riding may alleviate depressive symptoms in persons over 65 years of age. Studies included in this project reveal groups of themes. The first is assessments, tools and evaluations. The second is animal assisted therapy, equine assisted therapy, therapeutic riding, and the barn environment. …
Animal Assisted Therapy For Adult Domestic Violence Survivors, 2018 University of Southern Maine
Animal Assisted Therapy For Adult Domestic Violence Survivors, Kaden Flynn
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The focus for my research project for my Women and Gender Studies, Capstone course has revolved around Domestic Violence and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). AAT has been around since the 18th century but the benefits of it, aren’t talked about enough; when looking at what it does for adult DV survivors. I will determine if AAT, in conjunction with other therapies, is beneficial for DV victims. To determine how beneficial AAT is, I will be reviewing current literature on AAT, the results of different types of therapy and how it effects the victim’s PTSD, trauma, stress, and anxiety levels. If …
The Unspoken Psychological Issues With Lesson Horses And How We Need To Address Them, 2018 Murray State University
The Unspoken Psychological Issues With Lesson Horses And How We Need To Address Them, Casey Clark
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Every day all over the world horses provide much needed therapy and treatment to people in need. They provide physical, emotional, and mental training and healing. Humans depend on them for so much and we have a moral and ethical obligation to be good stewards of our equine companions. This close proximity can take a toll on horses physically and psychologically even in the realm of experienced equine professionals. So many times though it is the small lesson facility that sees hundreds of people each year and makes a profound difference in people’s lives. This can be at a 4-H …
A Qualitative Case Study On Best Practices Of Emotional Support Animal Policies, 2018 Eastern Illinois University
A Qualitative Case Study On Best Practices Of Emotional Support Animal Policies, Jordan E. Dadez
Masters Theses
This study sought to understand the best practices and protocols of Emotional Support Animal policies in residential life. A qualitative case study was conducted to provide insight on the best practices of residential life Emotional Support Animal Policies. Four participants from institutions with established policies were interviewed to gain understanding of these protocols and policies, what is involved in the approval and accommodations process, and what challenges the participants face. The results showed a need to evaluate and change the current process that most institutions utilize for Emotional Support Animal approval. The approval process and accommodations process are two separate …
Horses In Therapy: The Practice Of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, 2018 University of Denver
Horses In Therapy: The Practice Of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, Mandi J. Turner
Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects
Horses are being used in psychotherapy at increasing rates despite a lack of evidence establishing efficacy of the practice (Anestis, Anestis, Zawilinski, Hopkins, & Lilienfeld, 2013; Selby & Smith-Osborne, 2013). Without common and consistent practices based on a working theory of how Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) creates change, it is unknown how varied the practice is across the United States (Anestis et al., 2013). A lack of studies establishing efficacy leaves providers to determine effectiveness based on anecdotal evidence that may be at risk for bias (Lilienfeld, Ritschel, Lynn, Cautin, & Latzman, 2014). The American Psychological Association (APA) provides recommended …
The Italian Agreement Between The Government And The Regional Authorities: National Guidelines For Aai And Institutional Context, 2017 Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions
The Italian Agreement Between The Government And The Regional Authorities: National Guidelines For Aai And Institutional Context, Martina Simonato, Marta De Santis, Laura Contalbrigo, Daniele Benedetti, Elisabetta Finocchi Mahne, Vincenzo Ugo Santucci, Silvio Borrello, Luca Farina
People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have developed considerably in the last half century, prompting various private and public realities dealing with AAI worldwide to work on and establish standards and best practice. However, AAI are still far from being regulated harmoniously. In this context, Italy offers a unique example at world level: here the spread of AAI has set in motion an ethical and legal reflection that led to the creation of the Italian National Reference Centre for AAI (NRC AAI) by ministerial decree in 2009 and the approval of National Guidelines for AAI in 2015. The Italian legislation on AAI is …
Grace Peterson Research Colloquium, 2017 DePaul University
Grace Peterson Research Colloquium, Emma Pfeiffer
Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium
Mental illness is commonly under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated, particularly in the elderly population. An expected population increase for those 65 years and older, increased in health care expenses coupled with the moral and ethical obligation of health care providers to promote quality of life at all ages makes investigation to alternative treatments in this population is worth investigating. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize existing studies to clarify the following questions: What are the effects of pet therapy on those experiencing signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety? Why is pet therapy still lagging in validated studies, …
Therapy Dogs And The Impact On Employees In The Pediatric Medical Setting, 2017 Abilene Christian University
Therapy Dogs And The Impact On Employees In The Pediatric Medical Setting, Laine Foith
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
More than 40% of nurses reported experiencing significant burnout. Burnout is characterized by disengagement, cynicism, negative views of personal accomplishment and ability, and emotional exhaustion. The healthcare providers that experience burnout can possibly expect a decrease in ability to recognize/report errors, increase of negative feelings toward the patient, and decrease levels of patient satisfaction (Ernest, 2014). One of the ways Schub (2015) suggested to regulate burnout for employees was to provide psychosocial support to colleagues to reduce stress. This study is one of the first attempts to bridge the gap between the unknown correlation between qualitative and quantitative benefits of …
A Clinical Practice Change Initiative To Incorporate Animal Assisted Therapy In Advanced Practice Registered Nurses' Clinical Practice For Children And Adolescents, 2017 University of Southern Mississippi
A Clinical Practice Change Initiative To Incorporate Animal Assisted Therapy In Advanced Practice Registered Nurses' Clinical Practice For Children And Adolescents, Donna Rae Cowell
Doctoral Projects
Background: Children and adolescents mental healthcare needs is vital for the future of our nation’s welfare (American Psychology Association, 2014). Research has indicated AAT may be a considerable choice to help with pediatrics mental healthcare and may be utilized as an adjunct to enhance the care within the psychiatric healthcare field (Chandler, 2012). AAT has become popular within the healthcare realm (Friesen, 2009; Uyemura, 2016) and is a unique method for providing “patients” health care, which may improve patient outcomes (Chandler, 2012; Cowell, 2013; McCullough, 2016; McQuarrie & Urichuk, 2008). Research supports that “providers” in the health care field may …
Hippotherapy Capstone, 2017 George Washington University
Hippotherapy Capstone, Autumn O'Hara
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects
Therapists work with many children with many different diagnoses. One of the most prevalent diagnosis is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to recent statistics, available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with ASD; which is a developmental disability that can cause social and behavioral challenges (CDC, 2016). ASD can also be defined as a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as restricted, repetitive interests (APA, 2016). Therapist also work with individuals who have other diagnoses and deficits, including but …
Depression, Loneliness, And Pet Attachment In Homebound Older Adult Cat And Dog Owners, 2017 UTHealth School of Nursing
Depression, Loneliness, And Pet Attachment In Homebound Older Adult Cat And Dog Owners, Sandy M. Branson, Lisa Boss, Stanley Cron, Dennis C. Turner
Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
Background: Companion animals may reduce depression and loneliness in socially isolated homebound older adults. However, whether owning a cat or dog is more beneficial in this population remains unknown.
Materials and Methods: Pet attachment and the levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness were examined in 39 homebound older adults who exclusively owned a cat(s) or a dog(s). Cat owners (n = 12) and dog owners (n=27) were assessed for depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form), loneliness (R-UCLA Loneliness Scale), and attachment to pets (Likert scale).
Results: Cat owners reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than dog …
Canine-Assisted Therapies Among U.S. Veterans With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, 2017 University of Central Florida
Canine-Assisted Therapies Among U.S. Veterans With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Olivia A. Kondos
Honors Undergraduate Theses
A sizeable number of U.S. veterans of all ages experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can impact their quality of life; physically, mentally and socially. Consequences of PTSD are associated with physical and emotional disabilities, including ideation of self-harm and even suicide. Increasingly, animal-assisted therapies (AAT) are used to treat PTSD and other physical and behavioral conditions in veterans. Over the decades, AATs have used dogs, cats, horses, and dolphins among other animals. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the use of AAT focusing on canine assisted therapy (CAT) among veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The methodology involved …
A Systematic Review Of Complimentary Therapies To Treat Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In The Aftermath Of Domestic Abuse, 2016 James Madison University
A Systematic Review Of Complimentary Therapies To Treat Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In The Aftermath Of Domestic Abuse, Jordan A. Meeks, Saida Byrami
Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Objectives: Explore the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the health of female survivors. Identify complementary therapies that alleviate symptoms of psychological health impacts of IPV on women’s health.
Method: An exhaustive search of published, peer reviewed literature on complementary therapies and IPV was conducted. Databases included PubMed and CINAHL. Each article reviewed was published between the years of 2002 and 2016. The initial search produced 112 articles, abstracts of all studies were reviewed and studies were included if they addressed; a) complementary and alternative therapies, b) post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression and, c) the impact of IPV …
Outcomes In Language And Social Skills As Seen In Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities Participating In Equine Assisted Activities, 2016 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Outcomes In Language And Social Skills As Seen In Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities Participating In Equine Assisted Activities, Megan Koenigseder
Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses
Individuals with developmental disabilities commonly present characteristics that include deficits in social and communicative abilities. A number of intervention strategies have been implemented, but none have proven to be most effective. A somewhat novel approach known as equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) involves the utilization of horses during intervention and has shown to be effective in areas concerning quality of life, social functioning, self-regulation, adaptive behaviors, motor control, and motivation.
The purpose of the current study is to examine the effects of EAA on social skills and expressive language in 2-4 children diagnosed with developmental disability. Participants engaged in …
Dogs: A Prescription For Health Issues?, 2016 Nebraska College Preparatory Academy
Dogs: A Prescription For Health Issues?, Denise Magallon
Nebraska College Preparatory Academy: Senior Capstone Projects
The human-‐animal bond has been seen throughout many generations. Pet owners, especially those who own dogs, are known to live a different lifestyle than non-‐pet owners. However, the individuals who can receive the most benefits from dogs are those with certain psychological and physical health issues. Humans who suffer from diseases find that owning a dog is very helpful and can even improve and/or treat their illness.
Although dogs are not one-‐hundred percent effective in curing all health conditions, they are still very useful and can improve health even by the slightest result. There is much medical evidence that proves …