This study aimed to assess the French version of the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and to explore the factors influencing the attachment between French pet owners and their cats and dogs. Given the absence of a French tool to evaluate pet attachment, LAPS was translated into French using a rigorous back-translation method. An online survey was developed to assess LAPS scores, socio-demographic data, and owner characteristics, resulting in 1872 eligible responses. The French LAPS demonstrated strong reliability as well as good internal consistency and repeatability. Median LAPS scores were higher for dog owners (58.5) compared with cat owners (52.0), while individuals who owned both species showed significantly higher scores for their dogs than for their cats. Factors associated with higher attachment scores for owners of both species included the female gender of the owner, living without children, and lower educational background. This study reinforces the existing body of evidence about gender and pet type differences in terms of attachment and highlights the potential influence of social desirability bias. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of human-animal bonds in the French context and shows the influence of social standards on pet attachment.
本研究旨在评估莱克星顿宠物依恋量表（LAPS）的法文版，并探讨影响法国宠物主人与猫狗之间依恋关系的因素。鉴于法国没有评估宠物依恋关系的工具，我们采用严格的回译方法将 LAPS 翻译成了法文。为评估 LAPS 分数、社会人口数据和宠物主人特征，我们开发了一项在线调查，共收到 1872 份符合条件的回复。法文 LAPS 具有很高的可靠性、良好的内部一致性和可重复性。狗主人的 LAPS 中位数得分（58.5 分）高于猫主人（52.0 分），同时拥有两种动物的人对狗的依恋得分明显高于对猫的依恋得分。与这两种动物的主人依恋得分较高相关的因素包括主人的性别为女性、无子女生活以及教育背景较低。这项研究加强了现有的关于依恋方面的性别和宠物类型差异的证据，并强调了社会期望偏差的潜在影响。它为了解法国人与动物关系的复杂性提供了宝贵的见解，并显示了社会标准对宠物依恋的影响。
{"title":"Investigating influences on pet attachment in France: Insights from the adaptation of the French Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale","authors":"Tiphaine Blanchard, Luana Zaboski-Pena, Ilana Harroche, Ophélie Théodon, Annabelle Meynadier","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0027","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 This study aimed to assess the French version of the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and to explore the factors influencing the attachment between French pet owners and their cats and dogs. Given the absence of a French tool to evaluate pet attachment, LAPS was translated into French using a rigorous back-translation method. An online survey was developed to assess LAPS scores, socio-demographic data, and owner characteristics, resulting in 1872 eligible responses. The French LAPS demonstrated strong reliability as well as good internal consistency and repeatability. Median LAPS scores were higher for dog owners (58.5) compared with cat owners (52.0), while individuals who owned both species showed significantly higher scores for their dogs than for their cats. Factors associated with higher attachment scores for owners of both species included the female gender of the owner, living without children, and lower educational background. This study reinforces the existing body of evidence about gender and pet type differences in terms of attachment and highlights the potential influence of social desirability bias. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of human-animal bonds in the French context and shows the influence of social standards on pet attachment.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"42 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141650910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lori R. Kogan, Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, W. Packman, Cori Bussolari
Introduction: The current study aimed to expand current knowledge on cat-related guilt beyond work cat conflict and guilt about cat parenting to determine the influence of owner’s personality traits, choices regarding their cat’s lifestyle, and cat-related guilt factors. Additionally, we sought to assess potential predictors of anxiety and depression to determine the contributions of cat-related guilt, owner personality traits, and social compensatory behaviors, while controlling for owner demographics. Methods: An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was disseminated between October 18 and 28, 2023. Survey respondents (n = 531) were adults who resided in the United States and were the primary caretakers of a cat they had owned for at least 6 months. Descriptive statistics captured cat owner demographics. Multiple linear regression was used to predict guilt about cat parenting, work cat conflict, anxiety, and depression. Results: Significant predictors of guilt about cat parenting included guilt factors, time away, indoor, and attention. Significant predictors of work cat conflict included gender and cat guilt factors, time away, and attention. Work cat conflict and personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) significantly predicted depression scores. Lastly, anxiety scores were significantly predicted by work cat conflict, neuroticism, and social compensatory behaviors. Discussion: Findings from this study extend understanding of cat owner’s guilt and illuminate how their personality traits, compensatory behaviors, and lifestyle choices for their pets influence how they perceive and internalize feelings about their cat parenting practices. The nuanced nature of parenting guilt receives limited social recognition, leaving owners isolated in their disenfranchised guilt which significantly influences feelings of anxiety and depression. Our findings underscore the imperative for research and public education about beneficial ways to integrate social contact and enrichment activities to foster both human and animal wellbeing.
{"title":"The impact of owner personality traits and cat lifestyle decisions on cat-related guilt","authors":"Lori R. Kogan, Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, W. Packman, Cori Bussolari","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0022","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Introduction: The current study aimed to expand current knowledge on cat-related guilt beyond work cat conflict and guilt about cat parenting to determine the influence of owner’s personality traits, choices regarding their cat’s lifestyle, and cat-related guilt factors. Additionally, we sought to assess potential predictors of anxiety and depression to determine the contributions of cat-related guilt, owner personality traits, and social compensatory behaviors, while controlling for owner demographics. Methods: An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was disseminated between October 18 and 28, 2023. Survey respondents (n = 531) were adults who resided in the United States and were the primary caretakers of a cat they had owned for at least 6 months. Descriptive statistics captured cat owner demographics. Multiple linear regression was used to predict guilt about cat parenting, work cat conflict, anxiety, and depression. Results: Significant predictors of guilt about cat parenting included guilt factors, time away, indoor, and attention. Significant predictors of work cat conflict included gender and cat guilt factors, time away, and attention. Work cat conflict and personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) significantly predicted depression scores. Lastly, anxiety scores were significantly predicted by work cat conflict, neuroticism, and social compensatory behaviors. Discussion: Findings from this study extend understanding of cat owner’s guilt and illuminate how their personality traits, compensatory behaviors, and lifestyle choices for their pets influence how they perceive and internalize feelings about their cat parenting practices. The nuanced nature of parenting guilt receives limited social recognition, leaving owners isolated in their disenfranchised guilt which significantly influences feelings of anxiety and depression. Our findings underscore the imperative for research and public education about beneficial ways to integrate social contact and enrichment activities to foster both human and animal wellbeing.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141653647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Equine assisted services (EAS) consist of a complex system of horse, human, and environmental factors which ultimately impact program effectiveness. Despite recognition in the literature that organizational affiliation with spirituality or religion impacts values, practices, and culture, connection between faith, spirituality, and specific religious belief, when combined with EAS is a nascent field of inquiry. Despite preliminary observations that suggest many organizations offering EAS are affiliated with religious institutions or claim their practices are informed by a particular faith, the extent of these non-secular affiliations is unknown in current literature. To explore this, we surveyed 113 EAS organizations to determine the extent and type of non-secular (i.e., faith-based) affiliations and whether these affiliations were professed publicly, to all internal staff and participants, to staff only, or not at all (i.e., level of “transparency”). We collected data on a range of horse characteristics and program practices. We used chi-square analyses to assess associations between secular/non-secular status and characteristics of practices. Of 93 organizations, 71% claimed a non-secular affiliation. Of non-secular organizations, 61% were fully transparent, and 36% were open about their belief system only internally with staff and participants. More non-secular organizations emphasized horses that were sensitive to humans and the environment (p = 0.0063). Non-secular organizations placed more importance on partnering with horses with a history of abuse or neglect (p = 0.0461). Transparency of faith or religious affiliation was associated with selection of horses based on girth, bone, and sturdiness (p = 0.0004). This is the first study to explore how a proxy for organizational-level values is associated with EAS practice differences. Further research is needed to determine if program-level differences in faith affiliation impact outcomes for participants in EAS.
马匹辅助服务（EAS）由马匹、人类和环境因素组成一个复杂的系统，这些因素最终会影响项目的有效性。尽管有文献承认，组织与灵性或宗教的联系会影响价值观、实践和文化，但信仰、灵性和特定宗教信仰与马术辅助服务之间的联系仍是一个新兴的研究领域。尽管初步观察表明，许多提供 EAS 的组织隶属于宗教机构，或声称他们的做法受到特定信仰的影响，但这些非世俗隶属关系的程度在目前的文献中尚属未知。为了探究这个问题，我们调查了 113 个 EAS 组织，以确定非世俗（即基于信仰的）附属关系的程度和类型，以及这些附属关系是公开声明的、对所有内部员工和参与者声明的、只对员工声明的，还是完全不声明的（即 "透明 "程度）。我们收集了一系列马匹特征和项目实践的数据。我们使用卡方分析法来评估世俗/非世俗地位与实践特点之间的关联。在 93 个组织中，71% 的组织声称自己隶属于非世俗组织。在非世俗组织中，61%完全透明，36%仅在内部对员工和参与者公开其信仰体系。更多的非宗教组织强调马对人类和环境的敏感性（p = 0.0063）。非宗教组织更重视与有虐待或忽视历史的马匹合作（p = 0.0461）。信仰或宗教信仰的透明度与根据马匹的腰围、骨骼和坚固程度选择马匹有关（p = 0.0004）。这是第一项探讨组织层面价值观的替代物如何与 EAS 实践差异相关联的研究。还需要进一步研究，以确定项目层面的信仰差异是否会影响 EAS 参与者的结果。
{"title":"Horse selection differs between secular and non-secular equine-assisted organizations","authors":"K. Tumlin, Patricia V. Cunningham, Stacey Lilley","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0025","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Equine assisted services (EAS) consist of a complex system of horse, human, and environmental factors which ultimately impact program effectiveness. Despite recognition in the literature that organizational affiliation with spirituality or religion impacts values, practices, and culture, connection between faith, spirituality, and specific religious belief, when combined with EAS is a nascent field of inquiry. Despite preliminary observations that suggest many organizations offering EAS are affiliated with religious institutions or claim their practices are informed by a particular faith, the extent of these non-secular affiliations is unknown in current literature. To explore this, we surveyed 113 EAS organizations to determine the extent and type of non-secular (i.e., faith-based) affiliations and whether these affiliations were professed publicly, to all internal staff and participants, to staff only, or not at all (i.e., level of “transparency”). We collected data on a range of horse characteristics and program practices. We used chi-square analyses to assess associations between secular/non-secular status and characteristics of practices. Of 93 organizations, 71% claimed a non-secular affiliation. Of non-secular organizations, 61% were fully transparent, and 36% were open about their belief system only internally with staff and participants. More non-secular organizations emphasized horses that were sensitive to humans and the environment (p = 0.0063). Non-secular organizations placed more importance on partnering with horses with a history of abuse or neglect (p = 0.0461). Transparency of faith or religious affiliation was associated with selection of horses based on girth, bone, and sturdiness (p = 0.0004). This is the first study to explore how a proxy for organizational-level values is associated with EAS practice differences. Further research is needed to determine if program-level differences in faith affiliation impact outcomes for participants in EAS.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":" 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141678899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Freya L. L. Green, Mikaela L. Dahlman, Arielle Lomness, J. Binfet
The involvement of animals to assist or facilitate activities, education, or therapy has become increasingly popular. As we recognize animals’ roles in ameliorating well-being and educational outcomes, researchers and programmers are developing a variety of animal-assisted programs. This diversification has seen the adoption of a plethora of terms and acronyms. Many researchers have pointed out this over-abundance of terms and their inconsistent use, arguing that this creates confusion within the field. The aims of this article were threefold: (1) To identify commonly used terms in animal-assisted intervention (AAI) research; (2) to document their use by frequency; and (3) discuss the benefits and obstacles of the abundance of terms and acronyms in the field. A search of peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2013 to 2023 was conducted across four databases: PsycInfo, Education Source, ERIC, and Scopus to collate articles related to human-animal interactions (HAIs). Records were de-duplicated in Covidence and screened at title/abstract level by two independent reviewers for relevance to AAIs. The resulting articles ( N = 1934) were subsequently coded to track terminology. A total of 1414 distinct terms were identified, the majority of which (77.8%, n = 1100) were used only once between 2013 and 2023. Only 48 terms (3.4%) were used in the literature more than 10 times. Analysis also provided insight into frequently used terms, the most prevalent of which were “animal-assisted therapy” (8.70%, used 376 times), “animal-assisted interventions” (7.45%, used 322 times), and “therapy dog” (5.06%, used 219 times). Trends across 10 years reveal that specific terms have increased (e.g., “animal-assisted intervention”) or decreased (e.g., “hippotherapy”) in popularity but that the average number of terms used per article remains stable. Despite calls from HAI researchers to reduce redundant terms and improve the accuracy and consistency in the language used, there remains a surplus of terms in the field. This holds implications for AAI researchers, programmers, and individuals gaining interest in AAIs.
{"title":"For the love of acronyms: An analysis of terminology and acronyms used in AAI research 2013–2023","authors":"Freya L. L. Green, Mikaela L. Dahlman, Arielle Lomness, J. Binfet","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0024","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 The involvement of animals to assist or facilitate activities, education, or therapy has become increasingly popular. As we recognize animals’ roles in ameliorating well-being and educational outcomes, researchers and programmers are developing a variety of animal-assisted programs. This diversification has seen the adoption of a plethora of terms and acronyms. Many researchers have pointed out this over-abundance of terms and their inconsistent use, arguing that this creates confusion within the field. The aims of this article were threefold: (1) To identify commonly used terms in animal-assisted intervention (AAI) research; (2) to document their use by frequency; and (3) discuss the benefits and obstacles of the abundance of terms and acronyms in the field. A search of peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2013 to 2023 was conducted across four databases: PsycInfo, Education Source, ERIC, and Scopus to collate articles related to human-animal interactions (HAIs). Records were de-duplicated in Covidence and screened at title/abstract level by two independent reviewers for relevance to AAIs. The resulting articles (\u0000 N\u0000 = 1934) were subsequently coded to track terminology. A total of 1414 distinct terms were identified, the majority of which (77.8%,\u0000 n\u0000 = 1100) were used only once between 2013 and 2023. Only 48 terms (3.4%) were used in the literature more than 10 times. Analysis also provided insight into frequently used terms, the most prevalent of which were “animal-assisted therapy” (8.70%, used 376 times), “animal-assisted interventions” (7.45%, used 322 times), and “therapy dog” (5.06%, used 219 times). Trends across 10 years reveal that specific terms have increased (e.g., “animal-assisted intervention”) or decreased (e.g., “hippotherapy”) in popularity but that the average number of terms used per article remains stable. Despite calls from HAI researchers to reduce redundant terms and improve the accuracy and consistency in the language used, there remains a surplus of terms in the field. This holds implications for AAI researchers, programmers, and individuals gaining interest in AAIs.\u0000","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"18 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141681539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily Shoesmith, Chris Clarke, Grace McPherson, Elena Ratschen
Introduction: The robotic seal PARO has received increased attention as a new technology to support people living with dementia in terms of emotional and physiological outcomes. However, little research has been conducted to improve understanding of how and why PARO may work within inpatient dementia care. We investigate for whom PARO works best in this setting, and why PARO may work. Methods: Informed by principles from realist methodology, qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, participants with dementia and their relatives to explore experiences related to the delivery and receipt of an intervention using PARO in an inpatient dementia ward in the United Kingdom (UK). Observations of PARO intervention sessions were conducted to gain further insight into provision and implementation of sessions using PARO in ‘real time’. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and using the process of configuration mapping, we constructed a visualisation of our findings framed within the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanisms-Outcomes (ICAMO) model. Results: The visualisation of our findings framed within the ICAMO model suggests that PARO may result in positive outcomes within inpatient dementia care due to a range of potential mechanisms, including enhancement of social interactions, developing a sense of attachment, evoking emotive memories, physical interaction, and perceiving the robotic animal as a live being. For these mechanisms to be activated, the sessions should be structured but participant-led, and be delivered as needed in a one-to-one setting by a skilled facilitator. Conclusion: Using PARO in an inpatient dementia care context appeared promising and well-received in this small observational study. This study explicitly considers the context and mechanisms of using PARO within inpatient dementia care settings, presenting findings in a structured visualisation framed within the ICAMO model and offering a theoretical basis for future intervention research.
{"title":"Using PARO, a robotic seal, to support people living with dementia: ‘what works’ in inpatient dementia care settings?","authors":"Emily Shoesmith, Chris Clarke, Grace McPherson, Elena Ratschen","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0023","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Introduction: The robotic seal PARO has received increased attention as a new technology to support people living with dementia in terms of emotional and physiological outcomes. However, little research has been conducted to improve understanding of how and why PARO may work within inpatient dementia care. We investigate for whom PARO works best in this setting, and why PARO may work. Methods: Informed by principles from realist methodology, qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, participants with dementia and their relatives to explore experiences related to the delivery and receipt of an intervention using PARO in an inpatient dementia ward in the United Kingdom (UK). Observations of PARO intervention sessions were conducted to gain further insight into provision and implementation of sessions using PARO in ‘real time’. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and using the process of configuration mapping, we constructed a visualisation of our findings framed within the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanisms-Outcomes (ICAMO) model. Results: The visualisation of our findings framed within the ICAMO model suggests that PARO may result in positive outcomes within inpatient dementia care due to a range of potential mechanisms, including enhancement of social interactions, developing a sense of attachment, evoking emotive memories, physical interaction, and perceiving the robotic animal as a live being. For these mechanisms to be activated, the sessions should be structured but participant-led, and be delivered as needed in a one-to-one setting by a skilled facilitator. Conclusion: Using PARO in an inpatient dementia care context appeared promising and well-received in this small observational study. This study explicitly considers the context and mechanisms of using PARO within inpatient dementia care settings, presenting findings in a structured visualisation framed within the ICAMO model and offering a theoretical basis for future intervention research.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"93 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141682733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dana Spett, Abigail West, Zoe Fava, Bonnie Lavoie, Zoraida Rodgers-Rivera
The focus of the article is the integration of global perspectives, social work, and ecological approaches in animal-assisted interventions in a farm setting, presenting a model that addresses animal, human, and environmental welfare. The authors use a literature review and case scenario illustrating this model that suggests that welfare can be achieved through the simultaneous consideration of the following realms: Global initiatives of One Health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, social work theory and practice, and regenerative agriculture. Future research should include the practice of this model in a fashion that allows collecting and studying the outcomes for animals, humans, and the environment involved.
{"title":"Animal-assisted interventions in a farm setting: Integrating global perspectives, social work, and ecological approaches for overall welfare","authors":"Dana Spett, Abigail West, Zoe Fava, Bonnie Lavoie, Zoraida Rodgers-Rivera","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0026","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The focus of the article is the integration of global perspectives, social work, and ecological approaches in animal-assisted interventions in a farm setting, presenting a model that addresses animal, human, and environmental welfare. The authors use a literature review and case scenario illustrating this model that suggests that welfare can be achieved through the simultaneous consideration of the following realms: Global initiatives of One Health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, social work theory and practice, and regenerative agriculture. Future research should include the practice of this model in a fashion that allows collecting and studying the outcomes for animals, humans, and the environment involved.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"26 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chris McFalls-Steger, Lisa K. Zottarelli, David Patterson
Animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP), a subspeciality of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a relatively new and innovative treatment modality currently provided to all age groups with various mental and behavioral health issues in different clinical settings. As AAP has become more popular, there is a need to evaluate the use of this approach in therapeutic settings. This study assessed AAP in treating adults with depressive symptoms using a modified version of the Patient Questionnaire Depression Module (mPHQ-9). Secondary data were obtained from a therapy site specializing in AAP in the Denver Metro region of the United States from January 2015 to February 2021. Adult participants 18 years and older were assessed at intake and the approximately 6-month treatment mark. A paired-sample t-test found that AAP resulted in a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptomology, with modified PHQ-9 (mPHQ-9) scores from Intake to Time 2 (t (50) = 6.56, p < 0.001). The importance of animals in the participants’ decision to seek therapy also significantly influenced the change in depressive symptoms. The total variance explained by the importance of animals pre-treatment on depressive symptoms for adults with AAP was 8.1%, F (168.69, 1926.14) = 4.29, p = 0.044; moderate effect size (η2 = 0.46) was found. Clinical implications include the function of AAP, which requires a more accurate operational definition and a manualized AAP treatment protocol. AAP is a progressively growing intervention and a promising complementary modality to traditional therapeutic methods for adults with depressive symptoms.
{"title":"Animal-assisted psychotherapy in treatment of adults with depressive symptoms: A retrospective quasi-experimental study","authors":"Chris McFalls-Steger, Lisa K. Zottarelli, David Patterson","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0008","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP), a subspeciality of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a relatively new and innovative treatment modality currently provided to all age groups with various mental and behavioral health issues in different clinical settings. As AAP has become more popular, there is a need to evaluate the use of this approach in therapeutic settings. This study assessed AAP in treating adults with depressive symptoms using a modified version of the Patient Questionnaire Depression Module (mPHQ-9). Secondary data were obtained from a therapy site specializing in AAP in the Denver Metro region of the United States from January 2015 to February 2021. Adult participants 18 years and older were assessed at intake and the approximately 6-month treatment mark. A paired-sample t-test found that AAP resulted in a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptomology, with modified PHQ-9 (mPHQ-9) scores from Intake to Time 2 (t\u0000 (50)\u0000 = 6.56,\u0000 p\u0000 < 0.001). The importance of animals in the participants’ decision to seek therapy also significantly influenced the change in depressive symptoms. The total variance explained by the importance of animals pre-treatment on depressive symptoms for adults with AAP was 8.1%,\u0000 F\u0000 (168.69, 1926.14) = 4.29,\u0000 p\u0000 = 0.044; moderate effect size (η2 = 0.46) was found. Clinical implications include the function of AAP, which requires a more accurate operational definition and a manualized AAP treatment protocol. AAP is a progressively growing intervention and a promising complementary modality to traditional therapeutic methods for adults with depressive symptoms.\u0000","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"11 S1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140253011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Despite the growing numbers of dogs and cats cohabiting in US households, little research has focused on the influence of dogs on the human-animal bond of their feline roommates. The present study investigated whether cohabiting with a dog has an impact on the human-cat bond and the ways in which cats interact with humans. Based on existing knowledge of the differences between human-dog and human-cat interactions, we predicted that cats who have lived with a dog for at least 1 year will exhibit differences in the bond and interaction frequency with their owners. A 46-item survey was administered to 682 US cat owners via social media (SM) and Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Amazon’s crowdsourcing service, to collect data on demographics, interaction frequency, behavioral issues, and pet-owner bond. Although owners in cat-only households tended to report slightly higher bond scores with their cats ( μ SM = 30.34; μ Mturk = 28.32) than owners in mixed households ( μ SM = 29.33; μ Mturk = 27.42), the differences were small, and the association between household type and bond score was not significant ( p SM = 0.973, p MTurk = 0.124). Owners who engaged in more frequent active interactions with their cats had higher bond scores. These results indicate that spending more time engaging in active interactions with one’s cat is associated with a stronger bond, and the frequency of these interactions may be more important than the presence of a cohabiting dog.
尽管美国家庭中猫狗同居的数量越来越多，但很少有研究关注狗对猫室友的人猫关系的影响。本研究调查了与狗同居是否会影响人猫关系以及猫与人类互动的方式。根据现有的关于人狗互动和人猫互动之间差异的知识，我们预测与狗同居至少一年的猫在与主人的关系和互动频率上会表现出差异。我们通过社交媒体（SM）和亚马逊的众包服务 Mechanical Turk（MTurk）对 682 位美国猫咪主人进行了 46 个项目的调查，以收集有关人口统计学、互动频率、行为问题和宠物与主人关系的数据。虽然纯猫家庭的主人与猫咪的感情评分（μ SM = 30.34；μ Mturk = 28.32）往往略高于混合家庭的主人（μ SM = 29.33；μ Mturk = 27.42），但差异很小，而且家庭类型与感情评分之间的关系并不显著（p SM = 0.973，p MTurk = 0.124）。与猫咪进行更频繁的积极互动的主人的亲情得分更高。这些结果表明，花更多的时间与猫进行积极的互动与更强的亲情有关，而这些互动的频率可能比是否有同居的狗更重要。
{"title":"Exploring the impact of dogs on the human-cat relationship in private homes","authors":"Sara T. Clarkson, Lori R. Kogan, E. Grigg","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0007","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Despite the growing numbers of dogs and cats cohabiting in US households, little research has focused on the influence of dogs on the human-animal bond of their feline roommates. The present study investigated whether cohabiting with a dog has an impact on the human-cat bond and the ways in which cats interact with humans. Based on existing knowledge of the differences between human-dog and human-cat interactions, we predicted that cats who have lived with a dog for at least 1 year will exhibit differences in the bond and interaction frequency with their owners. A 46-item survey was administered to 682 US cat owners via social media (SM) and Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Amazon’s crowdsourcing service, to collect data on demographics, interaction frequency, behavioral issues, and pet-owner bond. Although owners in cat-only households tended to report slightly higher bond scores with their cats (\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 μ\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 SM\u0000 = 30.34;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 μ\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Mturk\u0000 = 28.32) than owners in mixed households (\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 μ\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 SM\u0000 = 29.33;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 μ\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Mturk\u0000 = 27.42), the differences were small, and the association between household type and bond score was not significant (\u0000 p\u0000 SM\u0000 = 0.973,\u0000 p\u0000 MTurk\u0000 = 0.124). Owners who engaged in more frequent active interactions with their cats had higher bond scores. These results indicate that spending more time engaging in active interactions with one’s cat is associated with a stronger bond, and the frequency of these interactions may be more important than the presence of a cohabiting dog.\u0000","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"67 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140261287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stigmatization of people with visible disabilities is a well-recognized concept, as is the knowledge that Assistance Dogs (ADs) may serve as social lubricants. This case study explored the interplay of these two concepts in the everyday life of a person (Mary) with a visible disability and her AD (Cino). This mixed methods study collected both quantitative observational data and qualitative interview data. Four episodes of Mary interacting in the community with and without Cino (AD) were observed using an observation checklist. These were complimented by four in-depth interviews with Mary and one with a close family member. Interview transcripts were used to construct a thematic understanding of the complex ways in which Mary’s life and experience of living with significant disability are impacted by having Cino to support her. Observational data identified that the presence of Mary’s AD considerably increased social acknowledgements of Mary from members of the public during community interactions. Two major themes (The dog makes a difference, and Lack of understanding, awareness, and support) each with four subthemes, emerged from the interviews. The complex mesh of experiences related to the support of her AD(s), both positive and negative, are mapped in the subthemes. While both positive and negative aspects of AD ownership were identified and explored, Mary assesses the net effect of having Cino, as ultimately positive, outweighing numerous complications and drawbacks in life lived with disability. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the way ADs can impact both positively and negatively in the lives of people living with disability. These insights provide points that can be used in discussing potential AD support with people exploring this option. They also caution against simplistic, “do ADs really work?” approaches in research as Mary’s lived experiences show that this is nuanced by multiple personal, clinical, social, physical, and broad environmental factors.
{"title":"The effects of assistance dogs on social acknowledgements and engagement of people with visible disabilities – A case study","authors":"Colin Pugh, C. Nottle, Janette Young","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0006","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Stigmatization of people with visible disabilities is a well-recognized concept, as is the knowledge that Assistance Dogs (ADs) may serve as social lubricants. This case study explored the interplay of these two concepts in the everyday life of a person (Mary) with a visible disability and her AD (Cino). This mixed methods study collected both quantitative observational data and qualitative interview data. Four episodes of Mary interacting in the community with and without Cino (AD) were observed using an observation checklist. These were complimented by four in-depth interviews with Mary and one with a close family member. Interview transcripts were used to construct a thematic understanding of the complex ways in which Mary’s life and experience of living with significant disability are impacted by having Cino to support her. Observational data identified that the presence of Mary’s AD considerably increased social acknowledgements of Mary from members of the public during community interactions. Two major themes (The dog makes a difference, and Lack of understanding, awareness, and support) each with four subthemes, emerged from the interviews. The complex mesh of experiences related to the support of her AD(s), both positive and negative, are mapped in the subthemes. While both positive and negative aspects of AD ownership were identified and explored, Mary assesses the net effect of having Cino, as ultimately positive, outweighing numerous complications and drawbacks in life lived with disability. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the way ADs can impact both positively and negatively in the lives of people living with disability. These insights provide points that can be used in discussing potential AD support with people exploring this option. They also caution against simplistic, “do ADs really work?” approaches in research as Mary’s lived experiences show that this is nuanced by multiple personal, clinical, social, physical, and broad environmental factors.","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"27 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140261970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amy Johnson Binder, Nancy Parish-Plass, Meg Kirby, Melissa Winkle, D. P. Skwerer, Laura Ackerman, Cindy Brosig, Wendy Coombe, Esther Delisle, M. Enders-Slegers, Jo-Ann Fowler, Laura Hey, Tiffany Howell, Michael Kaufman, Mariana Kienast, Miyako Kinoshita, Dr. Ngai, Brigitte Wijnen
Through the years, the range of services involving animals benefiting people, often described as “animal-assisted interventions” (AAIs), has been plagued with confusing and inconsistent taxonomy, terminology, and definitions. This has caused difficulties for the delineation of roles of service providers, for the recipients of services, as well as for the preparation, training, and expectations of the animals that work in different roles. It can be argued that these difficulties have compromised the development of the field in terms of establishing agreed standards of practice, qualifications, and competencies and adopting good animal welfare practices. It has also likely limited the base of evidence, as search terms used to access studies are not consistent, and study protocols are difficult to compare, lacking uniformity in terminology. Additionally, the current terminology cannot accommodate the expansion and diversification of programs in recent years, which is likely to continue as the field evolves. Establishing internationally agreed upon uniform taxonomy, terminology, and definitions is crucial to more accurately reflect the key features of different approaches, to define the scope and competencies for different service providers and their animals, to provide transparency about services for recipients, and to ensure the appropriate preparation, training, and support of the animals that work with them. The recommendations in this article are the result of an international work group that convened over the course of two years. The umbrella term animal-assisted services (AAS) is proposed, defined as services that are facilitated, guided or mediated by a health or human service provider or educator, who works with and maintains the welfare of a specially alongside a specially qualifying animal to provide therapeutic, educational, supportive and/or ameliorative processes aimed at enhancing the well-being of humans. AAS are further categorized into three main areas: treatment, education, and support programs. A recommendation for provider-specific terminology is also suggested. The aim of these proposals is to set clear expectations and boundaries for each specialty of practice, without compromising the richness and diversity of each approach. The adoption of this new umbrella term and its categories is intended to improve clarity for all involved in the receipt and delivery of services, as well as for those who study their effects.
{"title":"Recommendations for uniform terminology in animal-assisted services (AAS)","authors":"Amy Johnson Binder, Nancy Parish-Plass, Meg Kirby, Melissa Winkle, D. P. Skwerer, Laura Ackerman, Cindy Brosig, Wendy Coombe, Esther Delisle, M. Enders-Slegers, Jo-Ann Fowler, Laura Hey, Tiffany Howell, Michael Kaufman, Mariana Kienast, Miyako Kinoshita, Dr. Ngai, Brigitte Wijnen","doi":"10.1079/hai.2024.0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0003","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Through the years, the range of services involving animals benefiting people, often described as “animal-assisted interventions” (AAIs), has been plagued with confusing and inconsistent taxonomy, terminology, and definitions. This has caused difficulties for the delineation of roles of service providers, for the recipients of services, as well as for the preparation, training, and expectations of the animals that work in different roles. It can be argued that these difficulties have compromised the development of the field in terms of establishing agreed standards of practice, qualifications, and competencies and adopting good animal welfare practices. It has also likely limited the base of evidence, as search terms used to access studies are not consistent, and study protocols are difficult to compare, lacking uniformity in terminology. Additionally, the current terminology cannot accommodate the expansion and diversification of programs in recent years, which is likely to continue as the field evolves. Establishing internationally agreed upon uniform taxonomy, terminology, and definitions is crucial to more accurately reflect the key features of different approaches, to define the scope and competencies for different service providers and their animals, to provide transparency about services for recipients, and to ensure the appropriate preparation, training, and support of the animals that work with them.\u0000 \u0000 The recommendations in this article are the result of an international work group that convened over the course of two years. The umbrella term animal-assisted services (AAS) is proposed, defined as services that are\u0000 facilitated, guided or mediated by a health or human service provider or educator, who works with and maintains the welfare of a specially alongside a specially qualifying animal to provide therapeutic, educational, supportive and/or ameliorative processes aimed at enhancing the well-being of humans.\u0000 AAS are further categorized into three main areas: treatment, education, and support programs. A recommendation for provider-specific terminology is also suggested. The aim of these proposals is to set clear expectations and boundaries for each specialty of practice, without compromising the richness and diversity of each approach. The adoption of this new umbrella term and its categories is intended to improve clarity for all involved in the receipt and delivery of services, as well as for those who study their effects.\u0000","PeriodicalId":507269,"journal":{"name":"Human-Animal Interactions","volume":"110 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139963781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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