Authors: Nimer, Janelle; Lundahl, Brad

Source: Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 20, Number 3, September 2007 , pp. 225-238(14)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: AAT; ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY; META-ANALYSIS

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/089279307X224773

Publication date: 2007-09-01

More about this publication?

• Anthrozoös is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a pioneer in the field since its launch in 1987. The key premise of Anthrozosö is to address the characteristics and consequences of interactions and relationships between people and non-human animals across areas as varied as anthropology, ethology, medicine, psychology, veterinary medicine and zoology. Articles therefore cover the full range of human-animal relations, from their treatment in the arts and humanities, through to behavioral, biological, social and health sciences.
  
  Anthrozoös is published by Berg Publishers on behalf of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ). Members receive the journal as part of their membership package. If you are an existing member, have recently been approved or would like to join the Society please go to the membership site.
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