Information
AAT in Schools
Therapy dogs have helped increase engagement in schools with a reported increase in motivation for learning, which has resulted in positive outcomes. Some benefits that have been shown are an increase in attendance, increase in the confidence of students, increase in motivation towards learning, enhanced relationship with peers, and even less anxiety related behaviors (Grove & Henderson, 2018). Universities have also reported that students that interacted with therapy dogs had an increase of happiness and energy with a decrease of stress and anxiety.
AAT with Disabilities
AAT can be helpful in aiding those who have depression, anxiety, suffer from behavioral disturbances, or intellectual disorders; this is especially true if these individuals are from at-risk groups and lack social support structures (Maber-Aleksandrowicz, Avent, & Hassiotis, 2016).
Researchers found that AAT in the form of equine (horses) therapies for autism and canine therapies for childhood trauma yielded positive results and that patients showed improved social functioning, sensory seeking, and inattention-distractibility (Hoagwood, Acri, Morrissey, & Peth-Pierce, 2017).
AAT has also been studied in populations of psychiatric patients, palliative care patients (people who live with serious illnesses), and war veterans; results were positive and AAT was shown to moderately help individuals with these issues.
AAT in Hospitals
The effects of therapy animals have been researched within several different hospital settings and the impact that they have on patients are numerous. Along with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stress levels, AAT can also play a big part in helping lower blood pressure, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular health.
Another aid that AAT provides is that interactions with therapy animals facilitate the release of certain hormones like serotonin which helps in calming patients and improving overall rehabilitation (Gawlinski & Steers, 2007).
AAT with Mental Health
AAT has become popular for children and adolescents with or are at high risk for mental health illnesses. Studies have supported that children and adolescents with or at risk of emotional issues, depression, and anxiety can improve social skills, mood, and motivation with AAT (Hoagwood, et al., 2017). Most AAT studies include the use of dogs or horses. Simply petting an animal can initiate a relaxing response in the body, reduce stress, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation (Gawlinski & Steers, 2007).
Theories that explain the animal-human relationship such as biophilia and attachment theory are used to support the use of AAT for children and adolescents with or at high risk of mental health illnesses. Biophilia theory is the emotional connection a person may experience to other living things. The attachment theory describes the connectivity between humans and animals (Hoagwood, et al., 2017).