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Cacciatore J, Gorman R, Thieleman K. Evaluating care farming as a means to care for those in trauma and grief. Health Place 2020; 62:102281. [PMID: 32479359 PMCID: PMC7274169 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The interrelationships between nature, health, and wellbeing are increasingly recognized and incorporated into therapeutic interventions. Care farming, the concept of utilizing agricultural places and practices for providing care, therapy, and rehabilitation, is a paradigmatic example of this shift. This mixed method study empirically evaluates the efficacy of care farming as an intervention for individuals affected by traumatic grief, a complex experiential condition. Both quantitative and qualitative results suggest this care farm intervention was beneficial, yielding significant reductions in subjective distress to grief intensity. The study's findings add to the growing body of evidence on care farming and support green care as a therapeutic potential for individuals affected by traumatic grief. Few interventions have been successfully tested with those suffering traumatic grief. Care farming is a potential alternative means toward provision of care for the traumatically grieving population. After a two-day, 10 h intervention, participants experienced significantly less subjective trauma and distress in pre/post tests using the TGI psychometric measures. Rich qualitative data reveal that participants felt supported, connected, and yielded therapeutic benefit. Given the lack of consensus on the use psychotropic medications for grief, green models, such as care farming, provide to care that is not limited to a medical model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Gorman
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Kara Thieleman
- School of Social Work, Faculty Associate, Arizona State University, United States
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152
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Clark SD, Martin F, McGowan RT, Smidt JM, Anderson R, Wang L, Turpin T, Langenfeld-McCoy N, Bauer BA, Mohabbat AB. Physiological State of Therapy Dogs during Animal-Assisted Activities in an Outpatient Setting. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E819. [PMID: 32397366 PMCID: PMC7277909 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy dogs are increasingly being incorporated into numerous clinical settings. However, there are only a handful of studies that have focused on the impact of animal-assisted activity or therapy sessions on the wellbeing of the therapy dogs. Furthermore, these studies show mixed results. The goal of this study was to provide an in-depth picture of the effects of these interactions on the dogs involved by considering multiple physiological measures known to be associated with emotional state (continuous heart rate, heart rate variability, pre- and post-session tympanic membrane temperatures, and salivary cortisol and oxytocin concentrations). Nineteen Mayo Clinic Caring Canine therapy dogs completed five 20-minute animal-assisted activity (AAA) visits each in an outpatient clinical setting (Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic). From a physiological perspective, the dogs showed a neutral to positive response to the AAA sessions. Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower at the end of the session compared with the beginning of the session (F = 17.26, df1 = 1, df2 = 29.7, p = 0.0003). The right tympanic membrane temperature was lower post-session (F = 8.87, df1 = 1, df2 = 107, p = 0.003). All other emotional indicators remained stable between pre- and post-session. These results suggest that the dogs involved were not negatively affected by their participation in the AAA. Moreover, there was some evidence suggesting the dogs may have been in a more relaxed state at the end of the session (lower HR and lower right tympanic membrane temperature) compared to the beginning of the session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D. Clark
- Section of Integrative Medicine and Health, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55901, USA; (S.D.C.); (J.M.S.); (B.A.B.)
| | - François Martin
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Ragen T.S. McGowan
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Jessica M. Smidt
- Section of Integrative Medicine and Health, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55901, USA; (S.D.C.); (J.M.S.); (B.A.B.)
| | - Rachel Anderson
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Tricia Turpin
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Natalie Langenfeld-McCoy
- Nestlé Purina Research, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA; (F.M.); (R.T.S.M.); (R.A.); (L.W.); (T.T.); (N.L.-M.)
| | - Brent A. Bauer
- Section of Integrative Medicine and Health, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55901, USA; (S.D.C.); (J.M.S.); (B.A.B.)
| | - Arya B. Mohabbat
- Section of Integrative Medicine and Health, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55901, USA; (S.D.C.); (J.M.S.); (B.A.B.)
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153
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Abstract
The number of pet animals in the European Union is increasing over the last decades. Few studies with a limited focus in terms of impacts and life cycle stages exist that assess the environmental impacts of dogs. This paper addresses the entire life cycle of a dog. An LCA study on an average dog was conducted considering the pet food and dog excrements, i.e., urine and feces. Fifteen impact categories were analyzed. An average dog has a climate change and freshwater eutrophication potential of around 8200 kg CO2eq and 5.0 kg Peq., respectively. The main contribution to most impact categories over the dog’s life is caused by pet food. Freshwater eutrophication is mainly determined by the dog´s urine and feces. Feces also have a significant contribution to the category of freshwater ecotoxicity. Impacts increase significantly with increasing weight and a longer lifetime of the dog as well as low collection rates of the feces. This LCA study reveals that pet dogs can have a significant environmental impact, e.g., around 7% of the annual climate change impact of an average EU citizen. Optimizing pet food and increasing the feces´ collection rate can reduce the impacts.
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154
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Lass-Hennemann J, Schäfer SK, Sopp MR, Michael T. The Relationship between Dog Ownership, Psychopathological Symptoms and Health-Benefitting Factors in Occupations at Risk for Traumatization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2562. [PMID: 32276495 PMCID: PMC7178020 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Individuals working in high-risk occupations (e.g., emergency staff) are exposed to high levels of occupational stress including traumatic events. Correspondingly, several studies report high rates of mental health problems among these occupations. Pet ownership has been associated with better mental health. However, to date a study on the association between pet ownership and indicators of mental health in these occupations is missing. The present cross-sectional survey (N = 580) investigated pet ownership, attachment to pets, health-benefitting factors (i.e., sense of coherence, trait-resilience, locus of control) and psychopathological symptoms (i.e., general mental health problems, posttraumatic stress, burnout) in medical staff, police officers, and firefighters. Dog owners and non-dog owners showed comparable levels of psychopathological distress and health-benefitting factors. Compared to cat owners, dog owners demonstrated stronger emotional attachment to their pet. Moreover, a stronger attachment was also linked to higher levels of psychopathological symptoms and lower levels of health-benefitting factors. However, the relationship between attachment to pets and health-benefitting factors could be explained by their overlap with psychopathological symptom levels. Overall, our findings are not in line with the notion that pet ownership generally has a health-benefitting effect. Future studies need to investigate circumstances that modulate positive effects of pet ownership.
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155
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Pálsdóttir AM, Gudmundsson M, Grahn P. Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072431. [PMID: 32260047 PMCID: PMC7177295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
People with neurological disorders suffer from poor mobility, poor balance, fatigue, isolation and monotonous everyday activities. Studies show that equine-assisted interventions can improve their mobility and balance, but could these kinds of interventions also increase participants’ activity repertoire and self-assessed health, and reduce their fatigue? The study was conducted as a prospective, controlled study with three cohorts followed for one year: intervention group (n = 14), control group Passive (n = 29), and control group Active (n = 147). Participants in the study were affected by neurological disease or injury that limited their opportunities for an active everyday life. The intervention group lacked regular activities outside the home before the intervention, which consisted of riding once a week, led by a certified therapist. Control group Passive lacked regular activities outside the home, while control group Active had several activities outside the home per week. Primary outcome measures were activity repertoire measured with Occupational Value Assessment questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were global self-assessed health measured with EuroQol-VAS and fatigue measured with Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire. The intervention group’s activity repertoire and self-assessed health increased significantly compared to both baseline and the control groups. Equine-assisted interventions could help to improve the perceived value of everyday occupations and quality of life, as well as break isolation and increase the activity repertoire of people with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna María Pálsdóttir
- The Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-40-415-425; Fax: +46-40-415-010
| | - Marie Gudmundsson
- Nature and Health, Region Dalarna, P.O. Box 712, SE-791 29 Falun, Sweden;
| | - Patrik Grahn
- The Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
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156
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Sharpley C, Veronese N, Smith L, López-Sánchez GF, Bitsika V, Demurtas J, Celotto S, Noventa V, Soysal P, Isik AT, Grabovac I, Jackson SE. Pet ownership and symptoms of depression: A prospective study of older adults. J Affect Disord 2020; 264:35-39. [PMID: 31846900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper aims to examine associations between pet ownership and symptoms of depression in a large, population-based sample of older adults. Specifically, we tested whether: (i) people who report more depressive symptoms are more likely to own a pet; (ii) pet ownership protects against an increase in depressive symptoms over time; (iii) associations differ by symptom type. METHODS Data were drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a longitudinal panel study of men and women aged 50 and older (n = 7,617, 52.5% female). Pet ownership (dog/cat/other/none) was self-reported in 2010/11. Depressive symptoms were assessed in 2010/11 and 2016/17 using the 8-item centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. We analysed total CES-D score and derived symptom subscales (depressed mood, anhedonia, somatic symptoms) in relation to pet ownership, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. RESULTS A one-symptom increase in total CES-D score was associated with 7% increased odds of dog ownership (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11). Significant associations were observed between each subset of depressive symptoms and dog ownership, with models run on z-scores showing a slightly stronger association for symptoms of depressed mood (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.21) compared with anhedonia (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17) or somatic symptoms (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18). Prospectively, no significant associations were found. LIMITATIONS Self-reported data; small sample size for some pet categories. CONCLUSION Amongst older adults in England, those with more depressive symptoms are more likely to own a dog, but pet ownership is not significantly associated with change in depressive symptoms over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Sharpley
- Brain-Behaviour Research Group, University New England, New South Wales Australia, Australia
| | - Nicola Veronese
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Padua, Italy
| | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Vicki Bitsika
- Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bond University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jacopo Demurtas
- Primary Care Department, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Stefano Celotto
- Primary Care Department, Aziendale AAS3 Alto Friuli - Collina - Medio Friuli, Udine, Italy
| | - Vania Noventa
- Primary Care Department, Geriatric Unit, Azienda ULSS 3 "Serenissima" Dolo-Mirano District, Italy
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Turan Isik
- Unit for Aging Brain and Dementia, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah E Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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157
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Pérez-Sáez E, Pérez-Redondo E, González-Ingelmo E. Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on Social Behaviors and Emotional Expressions: A Single-Case Experimental Design in 3 People With Dementia. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2020; 33:109-119. [PMID: 31422765 DOI: 10.1177/0891988719868306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of dog-assisted therapy (DAT) on social behaviors, emotional manifestations, and experience during the activity of 3 people with dementia residing in a specialized dementia unit. The study used an A-B-A-B withdrawal single-case experimental design with two 5-session phases, baseline and DAT, replicating the same activities in each phase. The sessions were recorded and 2 independent coders quantified the frequency of social behaviors along with an assessment of the emotional manifestations and experience during the activity. Comparing with baseline sessions, DAT sessions showed an increase in prosocial behaviors (leans, looks, and verbalizations) and a significant impact on emotional manifestations with heightened pleasure. Dog-assisted therapy sessions also led to a better experience, with higher participation, pleasure, and relationship with others, together with lower rejection and displeasure than in the baseline sessions. Dog-assisted therapy seems to be a nonpharmacological therapy with potential to improve quality of life of people with dementia through promoting social behaviors and positive emotional manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Pérez-Sáez
- Centro de Referencia Estatal de atención a personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias-Imserso, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elisa Pérez-Redondo
- Centro de Referencia Estatal de atención a personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias-Imserso, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena González-Ingelmo
- Centro de Referencia Estatal de atención a personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias-Imserso, Salamanca, Spain
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158
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Pu L, Moyle W, Jones C, Todorovic M. The Effect of Using PARO for People Living With Dementia and Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1079-1085. [PMID: 32122797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of interaction with a robotic seal (PARO) on pain and behavioral and psychological symptoms of people with dementia and chronic pain. DESIGN A parallel pilot randomized controlled trial conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. SETTING Three long-term care facilities in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Forty-three participants aged ≥65 years living with dementia and chronic pain. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to the PARO group (individual, nonfacilitated, 30-minute sessions, 5 days per week for 6 weeks) or a usual care group using a computer-generated random number. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was researcher-rated observational pain behaviors before and after each session. Secondary outcomes were staff-rated pain level, agitation, depression, and anxiety measured at baseline and the end of week 6. Medications regularly prescribed and as needed were recorded weekly. Analyses followed intention-to-treat, using the generalized estimating equation model. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000082202). RESULTS Participants in the PARO group had a significantly lowered level of observed pain [-0.514, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.774 to -0.254, P < .001] and used fewer pro re nata medications (-1.175, 95% CI -2.205 to -0.145, P = .025) than those in usual care after controlling for age, sex, cognitive function and medications. There were no significant differences in staff-rated pain, agitation, anxiety, and depression, nor regularly scheduled medications between intervention and control group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PARO shows promise in reducing pain and medications for individuals with dementia and chronic pain in long-term care facilities. This intervention might be incorporated into daily practice as an alternative to manage pain in people with dementia. Larger randomized controlled trials with longer time frames are needed to identify further and test the use of PARO in long-term care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Pu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Wendy Moyle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Michael Todorovic
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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159
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Silva K, Lima M, Fafiães C, Sinval J, de Sousa L. Preliminary Test of the Potential of Contact With Dogs to Elicit Spontaneous Imitation in Children and Adults With Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Occup Ther 2020; 74:7401205070p1-7401205070p8. [PMID: 32078518 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2020.031849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Finding strategies to enhance imitation skills in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is of major clinical relevance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether contact with dogs may be a useful approach to elicit spontaneous imitation in people with ASD. DESIGN Participants completed a spontaneous imitation task under three experimental conditions: after a free-play interaction with a live dog, after a free-play interaction with a robotic dog, and after a waiting period that involved no stimuli. PARTICIPANTS Ten children and 15 adults diagnosed with severe ASD. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Imitation ratio, imitation accuracy, and indicators of social motivation. RESULTS Children appeared more motivated and engaged more frequently in spontaneous imitation in the live dog condition than in the other conditions. No differences between conditions were found for adults for imitation or social motivation. However, correlations suggested a possible trend for adults in time spent engaging with the live dog before testing and in increased imitation frequency. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results are preliminary and do not indicate the utility of integrating (live) dogs into interventions aimed at promoting social motivation and enhancing imitation skills in people with ASD. However, they suggest that doing so holds promise. Larger scale studies are now needed. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS This research calls for occupational therapy practitioners' attention to the potential benefits that may derive from using dogs to promote spontaneous imitation, and increase imitation performance, in people with ASD, particularly children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Silva
- Karine Silva, PhD, is Researcher, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, and Researcher, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariely Lima
- Mariely Lima, PhD, is Researcher, CINTESIS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Professor, Higher School of Education of Paula Frassinetti, Porto, Portugal; and Professor, School of Health, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Carla Fafiães
- Carla Fafiães, MSc, is Student, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Sinval
- Jorge Sinval, MSc, PhD, is Researcher, Business Research Unit, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisbon, Portugal, and Researcher, William James Center for Research, Instituto Superior de Psicológia Aplicada-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal. At the time of the study, he was also Researcher, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, and Researcher, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana de Sousa
- Liliana de Sousa, PhD, is Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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160
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Palagi E, Cordoni G. Intraspecific Motor and Emotional Alignment in Dogs and Wolves: The Basic Building Blocks of Dog-Human Affective Connectedness. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E241. [PMID: 32028648 PMCID: PMC7070632 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Involuntary synchronization occurs when individuals perform the same motor action patterns during a very short time lapse. This phenomenon serves an important adaptive value for animals permitting them to socially align with group fellows thus increasing integration and fitness benefits. Rapid mimicry (RM) and yawn contagion (YC) are two behavioral processes intermingled in the animal synchronization domain. Several studies demonstrated that RM and YC are socially modulated being more frequently performed by individuals sharing close relationships. This evidence highlights the relation between RM/YC and emotional contagion that is the capacity of two or more individuals to share the same affective state. In this review, we try to delineate a possible developmental trajectory of emotional sharing phenomena by using, as a model species, the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), a valid example of empathic predisposition towards individuals belonging both to the same and the different species. We contrast available findings on RM and YC in dog-dog and dog-human dyads with those in wolf-wolf dyads, in order to investigate if the ability to emotionally engage with conspecifics (wolf-wolf and dog-dog) is evolutionary rooted in canids and if provides the basis for the development of inter-specific emotional sharing (dog-human).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Palagi
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Natural History Museum, University of Pisa, Via Roma 79, Calci, 56011 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Giada Cordoni
- Natural History Museum, University of Pisa, Via Roma 79, Calci, 56011 Pisa, Italy;
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161
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The influence of a therapy dog on a pediatric therapy organization: A mini ethnography. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2020; 38:101083. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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162
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Holder TRN, Gruen ME, Roberts DL, Somers T, Bozkurt A. A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II): Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420943269. [PMID: 32698731 PMCID: PMC7378713 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420943269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can improve patients' quality of life as complementary medical treatments. Part I of this 2-paper systematic review focused on the methods and results of cancer-related AAIs; Part II discusses the theories of the field's investigators. Researchers cite animal personality, physical touch, physical movement, distraction, and increased human interaction as sources of observed positive outcomes. These mechanisms then group under theoretical frameworks such as the social support hypothesis or the human-animal bond concept to fully explain AAI in oncology. The cognitive activation theory of stress, the science of unitary human beings, and the self-object hypothesis are additional frameworks mentioned by some researchers. We also discuss concepts of neurobiological transduction connecting mechanisms to AAI benefits. Future researchers should base study design on theories with testable hypotheses and use consistent terminology to report results. This review aids progress toward a unified theoretical framework and toward more holistic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R. N. Holder
- University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC, USA
- North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alper Bozkurt
- University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC, USA
- North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC, USA
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163
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Monfort Montolio M, Sancho-Pelluz J. Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Residential Treatment of Dual Pathology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:E120. [PMID: 31877972 PMCID: PMC6981395 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a complementary intervention of therapy that has shown positive results in the treatment of various pathologies. This study assesses the viability of the implementation and the effectiveness of an AAT program in patients diagnosed with substance abuse disorder and associated mental disorders (dual pathology). For the study, a dynamic prospective cohort was used, consisting of 43 patients in residential treatment. The program consisted of 10 sessions with a duration of about 60 min, where data was collected in the 3rd, 6th and 10th sessions. The Life Skills Profile questionnaire (LSP) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) were used for subsequent evaluation. Patients who participated in the program showed an improvement in daily skills, which favoured a better quality of life and decreased impulsiveness, enabling them to regain self-control. These results suggest that the dog can be a multi-sensory stimulus that captures attention, and improves motivation, cooperation and patient involvement in therapy. It was concluded that AAT can serve as an adjunctive therapy in the rehabilitation processes of people diagnosed with dual pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Monfort Montolio
- Doctorate School, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Amigo Foundation, 12006 Castellón, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho-Pelluz
- Neurophysiology and neurobiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
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164
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Sahlin E, Johansson B, Karlsson PO, Loberg J, Niklasson M, Grahn P. Improved Wellbeing for Both Caretakers and Users from A Zoo-Related Nature Based Intervention-A Study at Nordens Ark Zoo, Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4929. [PMID: 31817472 PMCID: PMC6950239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based interventions have been proposed to promote physical and mental health and give stress reduction. Little attention has been given to the potential of zoos for human health and wellbeing. A disadvantaged group in Sweden regarding access to nature are individuals with disabilities who consequently do not have the same access to these health benefits as other groups. To increase awareness and knowledge regarding spending time in nature and with animals, courses directed at caretakers for persons with disabilities and their users were held at Nordens Ark, a zoo in Sweden. To explore if the courses had led to increased nature activities, and if participating in the courses had affected caretakers' and their users' health and wellbeing, questionnaires and interviews for evaluating the courses were used. The results showed improved quality in nature visits because of course participation as well as positive effects for the wellbeing, sustainability for the caregivers and users in their working lives, and relationships were positively affected. The conclusion from this study is that nature and animal-based education should be more frequent to provide opportunities for a disadvantaged group to have the positive effects of nature of which most other groups have obvious access to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sahlin
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
| | - Björn Johansson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
| | - Per-Olof Karlsson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
| | - Jenny Loberg
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Mats Niklasson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Center, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 49, SE-232 52 Alnarp, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Grahn
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
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165
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Pu L, Moyle W, Jones C. How people with dementia perceive a therapeutic robot called PARO in relation to their pain and mood: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2019; 29:437-446. [PMID: 31738463 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interacting with social robots, such as the robotic seal PARO, has been shown to improve mood and acute pain for people with dementia. Little attention has been paid to the effect of PARO on people with dementia and chronic pain. OBJECTIVE To explore how people with mild to moderate dementia and chronic pain perceive PARO as an alternative intervention to manage their pain and mood. DESIGN A descriptive qualitative approach nested within a pilot randomised controlled trial. METHODS Participants with dementia and chronic pain were recruited from three residential aged care facilities. They interacted with PARO for 30 min, 5 days a week over a 6-week period. A sample of 11 participants completed individual semi-structured interviews at the end of the intervention. Data were collected from January 2018-January 2019. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Reporting of findings followed the COREQ checklist. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: (a) perceptions of PARO; (b) therapeutic effects of PARO; (c) limitations of PARO; and (d) programme improvement. Residents with dementia expressed positive attitudes towards the use of PARO and acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of PARO on mood improvement and relaxation for pain relief but also mentioned the limitations of its weight, voice and characteristics. Residents' responses could also fluctuate during the intervention process, and individual preferences need to be considered. CONCLUSIONS The PARO intervention is a promising intervention to improve positive emotion, and there is some anecdotal evidence that pain may be decreased from the perspectives of people living with chronic pain and dementia. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Long-term care staff may incorporate PARO therapy into daily dementia care. Understanding of individual's preferences may enhance the implementation of PARO for pain management in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Pu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Qld, Australia
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166
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Yerbury RM, Boyd WE. Dolphins and Human Flourishing: A Novel Application of the PERMA Model. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2019.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Yerbury
- Southern Cross University, Department of Environment, Science and Engineering, Lismore, Australia
| | - William E. Boyd
- Southern Cross University, Department of Environment, Science and Engineering, Lismore, Australia
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167
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Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121030. [PMID: 31779120 PMCID: PMC6941042 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) represent an emerging field of animal assisted interventions (AAIs), employing horses in a wide variety of activities with humans. Based on the socio-emotional competences of this species, which evolved sophisticated communicative skills to interrelate with humans, we here hypothesized the occurrence of an interspecific emotional transfer during interventions. The emotional transfer hypothesis suggests a mutual coordination of emotional states of humans and horses, which are going through a coupling process during the interaction. Even though this mechanism is supported by few existing studies on human-horse emotional fine-tuning, it could play a key role in EAIs. We moreover propose to measure this coordination through monitoring physiological variables with a novel multidisciplinary method. In the future, having an insight on emotional states of animals involved in AAIs could be useful to ameliorate the wellbeing of both animal and human subjects and to better standardize operational strategies. Abstract Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) include all therapeutic interventions aimed at improving human wellbeing through the involvement of horses. Due to the prominent emotional involvement traditionally characterizing their relation with humans, horses developed sophisticated communicative skills, which fostered their ability to respond to human emotional states. In this review, we hypothesize that the proximate causation of successful interventions could be human–animal mutual coordination, through which the subjects bodily and, most importantly, emotionally come into contact. We propose that detecting emotions of other individuals and developing the capacity to fine-tune one’s own emotional states accordingly (emotional transfer mechanism), could represent the key engine triggering the positive effects of EAIs. We provide a comprehensive analysis of horses’ socio-emotional competences according to recent literature and we propose a multidisciplinary approach to investigate this inter-specific match. By considering human and horse as a unique coupling system during the interaction, it would be possible to objectively measure the degree of coordination through the analysis of physiological variables of both human and animal. Merging the state of art on human–horse relationship with the application of novel methodologies, could help to improve standardized protocols for animal assisted interventions, with particular regard to the emotional states of subjects involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scopa
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Alberto Greco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanatà
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enzo Pasquale Scilingo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Baragli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Bioengineering and Robotic Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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168
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Vitality from Experiences in Nature and Contact with Animals-A Way to Develop Joint Attention and Social Engagement in Children with Autism? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234673. [PMID: 31771215 PMCID: PMC6926568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Animals are increasingly included in treatment for children with autism, and research has shown positive effects, such as increased social initiatives, decreased typical autistic behaviors, and decreased stress. However, there are still knowledge gaps, for example, on underlying mechanisms and effects from longer treatment duration. The purpose of this study is to contribute to these gaps and ask questions about the ways in which animals and nature can improve conditions for psychological development through support from therapists. The method is based on grounded theory. Data comes from a treatment model (duration 1½ years, a total of nine children), from environmental psychology and developmental psychology, both typical and atypical as in autism. The results consist of three key categories; reduce stress and instill calm, arouse curiosity and interest, and attract attention spontaneously. These three key categories are related to an underlying core variable, vitality forms, which was described by Daniel Stern and, according to him, is important in forming overall experiences. The starting point is the brain’s way of encoding many internal and external events based on movement perception. Here it is argued that the vitality forms from nature and animals are particularly favorable for effecting development-promoting interactions with a therapist.
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169
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Joseph N, Chandramohan AK, Lorainne D'souza A, Shekar C B, Hariram S, Nayak AH. Assessment of pet attachment and its relationship with stress and social support among residents in Mangalore city of south India. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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170
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Leaving A Mark, An Animal-Assisted Intervention Programme for Children Who Have Been Exposed to Gender-Based Violence: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214084. [PMID: 31652894 PMCID: PMC6862676 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Gender-based violence is one of the most serious social and health problems faced by women around the world. Importantly, it has a negative impact not only on the woman’s physical and mental health, but also on all members of the family system in which it takes place. The aims of this study were to implement Leaving a Mark, an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) programme for children who have been exposed to gender-based violence, and to examine its effect on their associated clinical symptoms. The participants were 19 children (13 boys and 6 girls; Mage = 8.89, SD = 2.23) who had been exposed to domestic violence perpetrated either by their father or their mother’s intimate partner. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). After taking part in the AAI programme, the children showed a reduction in internalizing symptoms and in symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, no significant changes were observed in externalizing symptoms or in affective and behavioural dysregulation (CBCL-Dysregulation Profile). These results provide preliminary support for the use of the Leaving a Mark programme with children who have been exposed to domestic violence. However, further studies with a larger sample and more rigorous design are required.
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171
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Marshall-Pescini S, Schaebs FS, Gaugg A, Meinert A, Deschner T, Range F. The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog-Owner Relationship. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100792. [PMID: 31614747 PMCID: PMC6826447 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A number of studies have shown that when dogs and humans interact with each other in a positive way (for example cuddling) both partners exhibit a surge in oxytocin, a hormone which has been linked to positive emotional states. It is not clear however, if this increase in oxytocin occurs between any dog and human or whether this is more specific to the dog–owner bond. In this study we measured oxytocin levels in dogs and humans before and after they interacted with their closely bonded partner (dog–owner dyads) and with a partner they were familiar with but with whom they did not have a close bond. Based on previous literature we predicted that dogs and owners would show an increase in oxytocin after a positive social interaction, and that this increase would be higher when the dog and owner were interacting with each other than when the interaction occurred with a partner that was just ‘familiar’. In fact, overall we did not find an increase in either, dogs’ or humans’ oxytocin level, although there was a lot of variability in the response. We discuss various reasons why our results are not in line with other studies. Abstract Oxytocin (OT) is involved in multiple social bonds, from attachment between parents and offspring to “friendships”. Dogs are an interesting species in which to investigate the link between the oxytocinergic system and social bonds since they establish preferential bonds with their own species but also with humans. Studies have shown that the oxytocinergic system may be involved in the regulation of such inter-specific relationships, with both dogs and their owners showing an increase in OT levels following socio-positive interactions. However, no direct comparison has been made in dogs’ OT reactivity following a social interaction with the owner vs. a familiar (but not bonded) person, so it is unclear whether relationship type mediates OT release during socio-positive interactions or whether the interaction per se is sufficient. Here we investigated OT reactivity in both dogs and owners, following a socio-positive interaction with each other or a familiar partner. Results showed neither the familiarity with the partner, nor the type of interaction affected OT reactivity (as measured in urine) in either dogs or owners. Given the recent mixed results on the role of oxytocin in dog-human interactions, we suggest there is a need for greater standardization of methodologies, an assessment of overall results taking into account ‘publication bias’ issues, and further studies investigating the role of relationship quality and interaction type on OT release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Marshall-Pescini
- Domestication Lab, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1a, A-1160 Vienna, Austria.
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Franka S Schaebs
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Alina Gaugg
- Domestication Lab, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1a, A-1160 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Anne Meinert
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Friederike Range
- Domestication Lab, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1a, A-1160 Vienna, Austria.
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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172
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Owners' Attitudes toward Their Companion Dogs Are Associated with the Owners' Depression Symptoms-An Exploratory Study in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193567. [PMID: 31554230 PMCID: PMC6801548 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Various health benefits from the ownership of companion dogs have been studied from a One Health perspective. However, the preventive effects on depression are unclear, with inconsistent results across studies. We hypothesized that heterogeneity among owners would be related to the mixed results. Specifically, the difference in the strength of the bond between the owners and their companion dogs would modify the effect of dog ownership. As an exploratory study, we compared the depression symptoms of the owners with favorable attitudes toward their dogs, with those of the owners with unfavorable attitudes, to investigate the potential effect modification of owners' attitudes on the association between the ownership and depression symptom. Methods: We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey of 654 19- to 39-year-old adults who had companion dogs in Seoul, South Korea, where a major health burden is depression among young adults. We measured the owners' attitudes toward their dogs using the modified Pet Attitude Scale (PAS-M) and their depression symptoms using the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CESD-10). Demographic and socioeconomic factors were measured to adjust for the association between attitude and depression symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used in this study. Results: The owners who had less favorable attitudes toward their dogs (lower PAS-M scores) tended to have depression symptoms. The direction and significance were maintained either when the PAS-M variable was used as a continuous variable (odds ratio (OR) for one score increase in PAS-M was 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94-0.96)) or as a categorical variable (OR for lower PAS-M was 3.19 (95% CI = 2.28 -4.47)). Conclusion: We found a positive significant association between owners' depression symptoms and unfavorable attitudes toward their dogs, although causal direction could not be determined. Future studies should investigate the potential causal link.
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173
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O'Keefe JH, O'Keefe EL, Lavie CJ. The Human-Canine Bond: A Heart's Best Friend. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2019; 3:249-250. [PMID: 31485562 PMCID: PMC6713833 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James H O'Keefe
- University of Missouri-Kansas City and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO.,Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.,Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA
| | - Evan L O'Keefe
- Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.,Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA
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174
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The "pet effect" in cancer patients: Risks and benefits of human-pet interaction. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 143:56-61. [PMID: 31479836 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
"Can I keep my dog while receiving chemotherapy?" "Can my cat sleep on my bed while I'm on treatment?" "What precautions should I take with my pets in order to avoid infections?"" I read that my dog could give me breast cancer, is that true?" "Do you have assistance therapy dogs at your chemotherapy day unit?" These are not uncommon questions from cancer patients in oncology/haematology consultation rooms. The answers to these questions however, are widely unknown among physicians. Pet ownership is thought to provide patients with both emotional and physical health benefits. However, owning pets may also pose health risks to immunocompromised patients through zoonotic transmission of disease. Some studies have also suggested that the ownership of domestic pets may increase the risk of developing some cancers. But what is the evidence behind these claims? This paper presents the results of a literature review of a variety of scientific literature about pet ownership as a potential risk factor for suffering cancer, zoonotic diseases and the immunocompromised, and animal-assisted-therapy in cancer patients.
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175
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Wang L, Marti DW, Anderson RE. Development and Validation of a Simple LC-MS Method for the Quantification of Oxytocin in Dog Saliva. Molecules 2019; 24:E3079. [PMID: 31450590 PMCID: PMC6749683 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a mammalian neuropeptide with various functions in regulating birth, lactation, parenting, and social recognition. The study of OT became of increasing interest for the petcare industry due to its role in animal behavior and socialization. In the present study, a simple, sensitive, and accurate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method for quantifying OT in dog saliva was developed and validated. OT and its deuterated internal standard (OT-d5) were detected with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in a positive ion mode using an AB Sciex 6500+ QTRAP mass spectrometer. Chromatographic separation was achieved by using an ACE Excel C18 column and a gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min over a 5 min run. The mobile phases consisted of 0.1% (v/v) acetic acid in water and 0.1% (v/v) acetic acid in acetonitrile. After development and optimization, the performance of the method was validated to prove its reliability. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 50-20,000 pg/mL and recovery of OT was above 87.8%. The validated method was successfully applied to evaluate OT concentrations in multiple batches of dog saliva samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Nestlé Purina Research, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Saint Joseph, MO 64503, USA.
| | - Dakota W Marti
- Nestlé Purina Research, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Saint Joseph, MO 64503, USA
| | - Rachel E Anderson
- Nestlé Purina Research, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Saint Joseph, MO 64503, USA
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176
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Animal-Assisted Intervention Improves Pain Perception in Polymedicated Geriatric Patients with Chronic Joint Pain: A Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16162843. [PMID: 31395808 PMCID: PMC6721103 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic joint pain is associated to an increase in the consumption of medication and decrease in life quality in elderly people, which requires developing non-pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of a group intervention, based on animal-assisted therapy and applied to elderly people with chronic joint pain and polymedication, regarding the decrease of chronic pain, use of analgesics and improvement of life quality. A randomized controlled trial, two arms and open-label was conducted in a Primary Health Center. Twelve weekly sessions of kinesitherapy; in the EG, these exercises were performed with the additional assistance of the therapy dog. A total of 52 participants (22 Control Group (CG), 30 EG), average age 77.50 (±7.3), women 90.4%. A significant reduction on post-intervention values of pain β = −0.67(−1.27, −0.08), p = 0.03 and pain induced insomnia β = −0.53(−1.01, −0.05), p = 0.03 was found in EG for increasing baseline values. Animal-assisted therapy leads to an additional reduction in the perception of pain and pain induced insomnia in individuals with higher baseline severity. The presence of the dog improves the attachment to intervention and the satisfaction of the participants.
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177
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Theofanopoulou N, Isbister K, Edbrooke-Childs J, Slovák P. A Smart Toy Intervention to Promote Emotion Regulation in Middle Childhood: Feasibility Study. JMIR Ment Health 2019; 6:e14029. [PMID: 31381502 PMCID: PMC6699114 DOI: 10.2196/14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common challenge with existing psycho-social prevention interventions for children is the lack of effective, engaging, and scalable delivery mechanisms, especially beyond in-person therapeutic or school-based contexts. Although digital technology has the potential to address these issues, existing research on technology-enabled interventions for families remains limited. This paper focuses on emotion regulation (ER) as an example of a core protective factor that is commonly targeted by prevention interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to provide an initial validation of the logic model and feasibility of in situ deployment for a new technology-enabled intervention, designed to support children's in-the-moment ER efforts. The novelty of the proposed approach relies on delivering the intervention through an interactive object (a smart toy) sent home with the child, without any prior training necessary for either the child or their carer. This study examined (1) engagement and acceptability of the toy in the homes during 1-week deployments, and (2) qualitative indicators of ER effects, as reported by parents and children. In total, 10 families (altogether 11 children aged 6-10 years) were recruited from 3 predominantly underprivileged communities in the United Kingdom, as low SES populations have been shown to be particularly at risk for less developed ER competencies. Children were given the prototype, a discovery book, and a simple digital camera to keep at home for 7 to 8 days. Data were gathered through a number of channels: (1) semistructured interviews with parents and children prior to and right after the deployment, (2) photos children took during the deployment, and (3) touch interactions automatically logged by the prototype throughout the deployment. RESULTS Across all families, parents and children reported that the smart toy was incorporated into the children's ER practices and engaged with naturally in moments the children wanted to relax or calm down. Data suggested that the children interacted with the toy throughout the deployment, found the experience enjoyable, and all requested to keep the toy longer. Children's emotional connection to the toy appears to have driven this strong engagement. Parents reported satisfaction with and acceptability of the toy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known study on the use of technology-enabled intervention delivery to support ER in situ. The strong engagement, incorporation into children's ER practices, and qualitative indications of effects are promising. Further efficacy research is needed to extend these indicative data by examining the psychological efficacy of the proposed intervention. More broadly, our findings argue for the potential of a technology-enabled shift in how future prevention interventions are designed and delivered: empowering children and parents through child-led, situated interventions, where participants learn through actionable support directly within family life, as opposed to didactic in-person workshops and a subsequent skills application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Theofanopoulou
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, University College London and Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Isbister
- Department of Computational Media, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, University College London and Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, United Kingdom
| | - Petr Slovák
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Wanser SH, Vitale KR, Thielke LE, Brubaker L, Udell MA. Spotlight on the psychological basis of childhood pet attachment and its implications. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2019; 12:469-479. [PMID: 31303801 PMCID: PMC6610550 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s158998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that humans can form strong attachments to their pets, and at least some pets display attachment behaviors toward their human caretakers. In some cases, these bonds have been found to support or enhance the physical and emotional well-being of both species. Most human–animal interaction research to date has focused on adult owners, and therefore less is known about childhood pet attachment. However, there is growing evidence that pets may play an important role in the development and well-being of children, as well as adult family members. Research conducted to date suggests that child–pet relationships may be especially impactful for children who do not have stable or secure attachments to their human caretakers. However, given that human–animal interactions, including pet ownership, can also introduce some risks, there is considerable value in understanding the nature of child–pet attachments, including the potential benefits of these relationships, from a scientific perspective. The purpose of this review is to provide background and a brief overview of the research that has been conducted on childhood attachment to pets, as well as to identify areas where more research would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby H Wanser
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kristyn R Vitale
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lauren E Thielke
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lauren Brubaker
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Monique Ar Udell
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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179
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Yamamoto M, Hart LA. Professionally- and Self-Trained Service Dogs: Benefits and Challenges for Partners With Disabilities. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:179. [PMID: 31245394 PMCID: PMC6579932 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely reported that service dogs offer benefits to their human partners, however, it is unclear whether the expanding methods of training and roles of service dogs for their partners with various disabilities also provide similar benefits. This study aimed to investigate the self-reported experience of service dog partners to understand whether three different factors influence the benefits and drawbacks associated with partnering with a service dog: (1) different methods of training service dogs; (2) different severities of human partners' disabilities; (3) different roles of service dogs. Partners of service dogs were recruited to the web survey through service dog facilities and networking groups. Answers from 19 men and 147 women participants (91.8% living in the U.S.) were analyzed in this study. Participants experienced the expected benefits of service dogs, including increased independence, social relationships, self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and decreased anxiety, stress, and loneliness. However, the perceived benefits, concerns, and burdens differed depending on the partners' disabilities and the training history of the dogs. When first living with their service dogs, people who had self-trained their service dogs experienced more burdens than those living with professionally trained service dogs. No major reduction in expenses for assistance after acquiring a dog was reported. Personalized team training based on each person's disabilities and situation is required to optimize the benefits and minimize the burdens and concerns of living with service dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Yamamoto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Lynette A Hart
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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180
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Beetz A, Schöfmann I, Girgensohn R, Braas R, Ernst C. Positive Effects of a Short-Term Dog-Assisted Intervention for Soldiers With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Pilot Study. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:170. [PMID: 31231664 PMCID: PMC6568034 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed in 3% of German and 14-16% of US military following deployment abroad. The treatment of PTSD in soldiers is often challenging and thus new, additional interventions supporting traditional trauma therapy are employed, like animal-assisted interventions (AAI). In this pilot study, 29 soldiers with PTSD received four sessions of 3 h once a week of dog-assisted intervention in addition to inpatient standard treatment at the military hospital, while the control group of 31 soldiers with PTSD received standard treatment only. The dog-assisted intervention sessions included a walk, different play and grooming activities and just relaxing together toward the end. What was new in our approach was that the AAI sessions were delivered by military personnel, military dog-handlers with their own dogs (either military or privately owned). Data on psychiatric symptoms, perceived stress, work and social life, and the therapeutic relationship were answered before the first AAI session, during the days following the last AAI session, 1 month later, and 3 months later. Only the intervention group also answered a questionnaire on trauma confrontation, consumption of alcohol/drugs, mental wellness, and perceived stress each week during intervention. Analyses showed a trend for worse values in work and social adjustment in the control group and a significant trend toward better values in the intervention group. On the other parameters differences between control and intervention group were not significant. The mental wellness of the intervention group improved over the 4 weeks of therapy, particularly regarding the ability to experience joy. There was no clear trend for perceived stress, but the relationship to the dog handler improved significantly over the course of the intervention. This is noteworthy in patients with PTSD who usually have difficulties trusting others, especially new people. Keeping in mind that the AAI took place only four times, our findings point toward the value of dog-assisted interventions. With a longer treatment period the positive effects and trends might become more distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Beetz
- Institute for Special Educational Development Support and Rehabilitation (ISER), Department for Special Education, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Deptartment of Health Care (Distance Learning), IUBH University of Applied Sciences, Bad Honnef, Germany
| | - Ira Schöfmann
- Centre for Mental Health, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Koblenz, Germany
| | | | - Roger Braas
- Centre for Mental Health, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Koblenz, Germany
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181
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Sundman AS, Van Poucke E, Svensson Holm AC, Faresjö Å, Theodorsson E, Jensen P, Roth LSV. Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7391. [PMID: 31171798 PMCID: PMC6554395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reveals, for the first time, an interspecific synchronization in long-term stress levels. Previously, acute stress, has been shown to be highly contagious both among humans and between individuals of other species. Here, long-term stress synchronization in dogs and their owners was investigated. We studied 58 dog-human dyads and analyzed their hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) at two separate occasions, reflecting levels during previous summer and winter months. The personality traits of both dogs and their owners were determined through owner-completed Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ) and human Big Five Inventory (BFI) surveys. In addition, the dogs’ activity levels were continuously monitored with a remote cloud-based activity collar for one week. Shetland sheepdogs (N = 33) and border collies (N = 25), balanced for sex, participated, and both pet dogs and actively competing dogs (agility and obedience) were included to represent different lifestyles. The results showed significant interspecies correlations in long-term stress where human HCC from both summer and winter samplings correlated strongly with dog HCC (summer: N = 57, χ2 = 23.697, P < 0.001, β = 0.235; winter: N = 55, χ2 = 13.796, P < 0.001, β = 0.027). Interestingly, the dogs’ activity levels did not affect HCC, nor did the amount of training sessions per week, showing that the HCC levels were not related to general physical activity. Additionally, there was a seasonal effect in HCC. However, although dogs’ personalities had little effects on their HCC, the human personality traits neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness significantly affected dog HCC. Hence, we suggest that dogs, to a great extent, mirror the stress level of their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Sundman
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Enya Van Poucke
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ann-Charlotte Svensson Holm
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åshild Faresjö
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, 581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lina S V Roth
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
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182
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Influence of Horseback Riding and Horse Simulator Riding on Heart Rate Variability: Are There Differences? APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy young people while riding a real horse or a horse gait simulator. The sample consisted of a group of 23 healthy young adults aged 22.91 (2.37), who rode a horse for five minutes at walking speed and spent five minutes on a horse gait simulator, while their HRV values were being recorded. Furthermore, immediately after each protocol, the HRV at rest was also recorded to observe the acute effects. We used the paired samples t-test to compare between the HRV during the horse-riding and the horse simulator-riding activities, as well as the differences in the acute effects between both situations. The findings indicate that the HRV was lower when participants were riding the horse compared with the activity on the horse simulator. However, no differences were observed immediately after the two protocols. Therefore, we state that the sympathetic tone is higher while riding a real horse than while riding a horse simulator. These differences may be due to emotional aspects and not due to differences in the physical load, considering the absence of differences in the acute effects.
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183
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Pu L, Moyle W, Jones C, Todorovic M. The Effectiveness of Social Robots for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 59:e37-e51. [PMID: 29897445 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social robots may promote the health of older adults by increasing their perceived emotional support and social interaction. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of social robots on outcomes (psychological, physiological, quality of life, or medications) of older adults from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Research Design and Methods A mixed-method systematic review of RCTs meeting the study inclusion criteria was undertaken. Eight databases were electronically searched up to September 2017. Participants' characteristics, intervention features, and outcome data were retrieved. The mean difference and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized to pool the effect size. Results A total of 13 articles from 11 RCTs were identified from 2,204 articles, of which 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was relatively high in allocation concealment and blinding. Social robots appeared to have positive impacts on agitation, anxiety, and quality of life for older adults but no statistical significance was found in the meta-analysis. However, results from a narrative review indicated that social robot interactions could improve engagement, interaction, and stress indicators, as well as reduce loneliness and the use of medications for older adults. Discussion and Implications Social robots appear to have the potential to improve the well-being of older adults, but conclusions are limited due to the lack of high-quality studies. More RCTs are recommended with larger sample sizes and rigorous study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Pu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Todorovic
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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184
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A modest protective association between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216231. [PMID: 31050670 PMCID: PMC6499429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Investigate the relationship between pet ownership and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Methods We searched the PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases up to August 2018. Eligible publications examining the association between pet ownership and all-cause and CV mortality (primary outcomes) and risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke (secondary outcomes) were included. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of the articles. Results We included 12 studies, involving 488,986 participants (52.3% female, mean age 56.1 years), in our systematic review. The mean follow-up duration was 8.7 ± 6.3 years. Pet ownership had no association with adjusted all-cause mortality (odds ratio, OR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval, CI [0.94, 1.08], I2 = 76%), adjusted CV mortality (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.75, 1.00], I2 = 72%), or risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.72, 1.05], I2 = 73%), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.97, 1.01], I2 = 0%), or stroke (OR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.98, 1.01], I2 = 0%). However, subgroup analysis showed that pet ownership was associated with a lower adjusted CV mortality in the general population (OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.86, 0.99], I2 = 27%) than in CVD patients. In patients with established CVD, pet ownership was associated with a lower adjusted CVD risk (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.60, 0.84], I2 = 0%). Conclusion Pet ownership is not associated with adjusted all-cause or CV mortality, or risk of CVD, MI, or stroke, but it is associated with a lower adjusted CV mortality in the general population and a lower CVD risk in patients with established CVD.
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185
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Carr ECJ, Wallace JE, Pater R, Gross DP. Evaluating the Relationship between Well-Being and Living with a Dog for People with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1472. [PMID: 31027281 PMCID: PMC6517939 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is a significant societal and personal burden that negatively impacts quality of life. Dog ownership has been associated with health benefits. This study evaluated the feasibility of surveying people with chronic low back pain to assess the relationship between dog ownership and well-being. A mail-out survey was sent to 210 adult patients with chronic low back pain. Measures of quality of life, pain, physical activity, emotional health, social ties and dog ownership were included. Feasibility was assessed by examining survey response rate, responses to established and newly developed measures, and the potential relationships between dog ownership and a number of key well-being variables in this patient population. There were 56 completed surveys returned (n = 36 non-dog owners and n = 20 dog owners). Established, adapted and newly developed scales revealed promising results. Dog owners reported fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, and more social ties than non-dog owners. Living with a dog may be associated with improved well-being for people with chronic pain. The findings from this feasibility study will inform a general population survey, to be conducted with a larger, more representative sample of people living with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise C J Carr
- Faculty of Nursing, Professional Faculties Building, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Jean E Wallace
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Rianne Pater
- Faculty of Nursing, Professional Faculties Building, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, 8205 114St., Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada.
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186
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Pörtl D, Jung C. Physiological pathways to rapid prosocial evolution. Biol Futur 2019; 70:93-102. [PMID: 34554422 DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) descend from wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same ecological niche of cooperative hunters, as humans. Initially, humans and wolves were competitors starting interspecific communication in order to avoid risk of injury. The evolutionary continuity of mammalian brains enabled interspecific prosocial contacts between both of them, which reduced stress, and enabled behavioral cultures leading to genetic isolation of those wolves. Dogs are the first domesticated animal living together with humans for about 25,000 years. Domestication means decreased aggression and flight distance toward humans, thus changes in the stress axis are crucial. The hypothesis of Active Social Domestication considers genetic selection as a necessary prediction but not a sufficient explanation of dog domestication. In addition, dog domestication is suggested to be an epigenetic disclosure. Due to changed stress activity, epigenetic mechanisms affect cerebral receptor activity and regulate transposon expressions, thus shaping brain function and behavior. Interspecific prosocial contacts initiated via serotonin release an enzymatic cascade enhancing, epigeneti-cally, the glucocorticoid negative feedback loop. Reduced chronic stress improved social learning capability and inhibitory control. Over time, those wolves could integrate themselves into human social structures, thus becoming dogs. In analogy, human mental skills, such as creating art and culture, might have also improved during the Upper Paleolithic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pörtl
- Psychiatric Department, Saale-Unstrut Klinikum, Teaching Hospital Leipzig and Jena Universities, Naumburg, Germany.
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187
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Williams Syndrome, Human Self-Domestication, and Language Evolution. Front Psychol 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 30936846 PMCID: PMC6431629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Language evolution resulted from changes in our biology, behavior, and culture. One source of these changes might be human self-domestication. Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition with a clearly defined genetic basis which results in a distinctive behavioral and cognitive profile, including enhanced sociability. In this paper we show evidence that the WS phenotype can be satisfactorily construed as a hyper-domesticated human phenotype, plausibly resulting from the effect of the WS hemideletion on selected candidates for domestication and neural crest (NC) function. Specifically, we show that genes involved in animal domestication and NC development and function are significantly dysregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. We also discuss the consequences of this link between domestication and WS for our current understanding of language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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188
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Powell L, Guastella AJ, McGreevy P, Bauman A, Edwards KM, Stamatakis E. The physiological function of oxytocin in humans and its acute response to human-dog interactions: A review of the literature. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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189
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The oxytocinergic system mediates synchronized interpersonal movement during dance. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1894. [PMID: 30760751 PMCID: PMC6374432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the oxytocinergic (OT) system has previously been linked to regulation of complex social cognition and behavior, we examined whether intranasal administration of OT would modulate synchronization during a real-life dance paradigm. The current study examined pairs of friends while dancing after intranasal administration of OT or placebo. Motion tracking software and a computational model were utilized to measure synchrony between the partners as manifested in the velocity of their movements. In line with our predictions, OT increased synchrony between partners. This effect was stronger for individuals with higher trait empathy scores. We concluded that the OT system plays an important role in promoting interpersonal synchrony during dance, suggesting that OT underlies the kinesthetic dimension of empathy. Although the biological mechanisms underlying empathy have been studied extensively, scientifically validated knowledge about the kinesthetic dimension of empathy is still lacking. The current study supports the hypothesis that interpersonal synchronization in body movement could be a marker of kinesthetic empathy.
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190
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Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions are part of the therapeutic plan in pediatric oncology. This is the first systematic review to summarize the literature and provide insights for new clinical approaches, policy, best practices, and standards. The results underline the potentially beneficial role for pediatric patients, parents, caregivers, and medical staff.
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191
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Campion DP, Dowell FJ. Translating Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics to the Clinic: Progress in Human and Veterinary Medicine. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:22. [PMID: 30854372 PMCID: PMC6396708 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As targeted personalized therapy becomes more widely used in human medicine, clients will expect the veterinary clinician to be able to implement an evidence-based strategy regarding both the prescribing of medicines and also recognition of the potential for adverse drug reactions (ADR) for their pet, at breed and individual level. This review aims to provide an overview of current developments and challenges in pharmacogenetics in medicine for a veterinary audience and to map these to developments in veterinary pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenetics has been in development over the past 100 years but has been revolutionized following the publication of the human, and then veterinary species genomes. Genetic biomarkers called pharmacogenes have been identified as specific genetic loci on chromosomes which are associated with either positive or adverse drug responses. Pharmacogene variation may be classified according to the associated drug response, such as a change in (1) the pharmacokinetics; (2) the pharmacodynamics; (3) genes in the downstream pathway of the drug or (4) the effect of “off-target” genes resulting in a response that is unrelated to the intended target. There are many barriers to translation of pharmacogenetic information to the clinic, however, in human medicine, international initiatives are promising real change in the delivery of personalized medicine by 2025. We argue that for effective translation into the veterinary clinic, clinicians, international experts, and stakeholders must collaborate to ensure quality assurance and genetic test validation so that animals may also benefit from this genomics revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre P Campion
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona J Dowell
- Division of Veterinary Science and Education, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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192
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Why Should Human-Animal Interactions Be Included in Research of Working Equids' Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9020042. [PMID: 30704022 PMCID: PMC6406816 DOI: 10.3390/ani9020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Appropriate strategies aimed at improving the welfare of working equids should include the assessment of their welfare status, as well as the identification of the human attributes that influence owner-equine interactions. From a human´s point of view, empathy, attitudes towards animals, perception of animal pain and the owner´s locus of control are some of the psychological attributes that modulate the human-equine relationships that can affect equids’ welfare. There is, however, still little research dedicated to identifying and assessing the owner’s psychological attributes that underlie their behaviours, and that may be implicated in the welfare of their working equids. This review aims to point out why the inclusion of human psychological attributes that modulate human-animal interactions, can benefit welfare research in working equids. We recommend that in order to advance in the improvement of working equids’ welfare on a global scale, an integral understanding of those human psychological attributes that influence the owner’s behaviour and modulate owner-equine interactions must be established and taken into account in future studies. Abstract The livelihood of working horses’ owners and their families is intimately linked to the welfare of their equids. A proper understanding of human-animal interactions, as well as the main factors that modulate them, is essential for establishing strategies oriented to improve the welfare of animals and their caretakers. To date, there is still a paucity of research dedicated to the identification and assessment of the human psychological attributes that affect the owner–equine interaction, and how these could affect the welfare of working equids. However, some studies have shown that empathy, attitudes towards animals, human perception of animal pain and the owner´s locus of control are some of the psychological attributes that participate in human-equine interactions and that these can result in poor welfare of working equids. A better understanding of the relationship between human attributes and equids’ welfare can provide an opportunity to improve the quality of interactions between owners and their working equids and thus improve their welfare. This review aims to explain why the inclusion of human psychological attributes that modulate the human-animal interactions can benefit welfare research in working equids. The role that empathy, perception of animal pain and locus of control play in the promotion of good welfare in working equids is emphasized.
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193
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Jones MG, Rice SM, Cotton SM. Incorporating animal-assisted therapy in mental health treatments for adolescents: A systematic review of canine assisted psychotherapy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210761. [PMID: 30653587 PMCID: PMC6336278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasing need to differentiate informal activities from formal and professionally directed therapies, including mental health focussed Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP). There have been no reviews focusing exclusively on CAP and the distinct developmental period of adolescence. The aims of this study were to identify the characteristics of CAP interventions, their impacts and their acceptability, tolerability and feasibility for adolescents with mental health disorders. METHOD A systematic review identified studies incorporating canines into mental health treatments for adolescents aged 10-19 years. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative psychological or psychosocial outcomes were included. RESULTS Seven studies were scrutinised. Intervention characteristics varied, including a range of formats, settings, locations, doses, and facilitators. Information on the role of the canines in sessions was sparse. CAP had a positive impact on primary diagnoses and symptomatology, conferring additional benefits to standard treatments for internalising disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and equivalent effects for anxiety, anger and externalising disorders. CAP was associated with positive impacts on secondary factors including increased engagement and socialisation behaviours, and reductions in disruptive behaviours within treatment sessions. Global functioning also improved. There was insufficient evidence that CAP improved factors associated with self-esteem, subjective wellbeing, or coping. Good attendance and retention rates indicated high levels of acceptability. Moderate to high tolerability was also indicated. Feasibility may be limited by additional training and logistical requirements. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend the development of theoretically informed, standardised (manualised) intervention protocols that may subsequently form the basis of efficacy and effectiveness testing. Such protocols should clearly describe canine-participant-facilitator interactions via a formalised nomenclature; spontaneous (animal-led), adjunctive (facilitator-led), and experiential (participant-led). CONCLUSIONS There is emerging evidence to suggest that CAP improves the efficacy of mental health treatments in self-selected adolescent populations via reductions in primary symptomatology, and via secondary factors that improve therapeutic processes and quality, such as engagement and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie G. Jones
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Lead The Way Institute, Boronia, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan M. Cotton
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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194
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Pan Z, Granger DA, Guérin NA, Shoffner A, Gabriels RL. Replication Pilot Trial of Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Cortisol Collection With Children on the Autism Spectrum. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:312. [PMID: 30693284 PMCID: PMC6339889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine whether results of our prior randomized control trial [RCT; NCT02301195, (1)] of Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THR) for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could be replicated at a different riding center and if treatment effects also included differences in the expression of associations between problem behavior and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Participants with ASD (N = 16) ages 6-16 years were randomized by nonverbal intelligence quotient to either a 10-week THR group (n = 8) or no horse interaction barn activity (BA) control group (n = 8). Outcome measures were a standard speech-language sample and caregiver-report of aberrant and social behaviors. Participants' saliva was sampled weekly at a consistent afternoon time immediately pre- and 20 min' post-condition (later assayed for cortisol). Intent-to-treat analysis revealed that compared to controls, THR participants had significant improvements in hyperactivity, and social awareness, and significant improvements at the 0.1 significance level in irritability and social communication behaviors. There were no significant improvements in number of words or new words spoken during the standard language sample. Linear mixed effects model analysis indicated that greater weekly pre-lesson irritability levels were associated with smaller post-lesson reduction in salivary cortisol levels, and greater weekly pre-lesson hyperactivity levels were associated with smaller cortisol reduction in the THR group, but not in the BA control group. The findings represent a partial replication of prior results (1), extend prior observations to include THR effects on biobehavioral relationships and suggest that cortisol could be a target mediator for THR effects on irritability and hyperactivity behaviors in youth with ASD. Clinical Trial Registration: Trial of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder; http://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02301195.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxing Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Bloomberg School of Public Health and School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Noémie A. Guérin
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond of Purdue, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Amy Shoffner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Robin L. Gabriels
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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195
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Additive manufacturing to veterinary practice: recovery of bony defects after the osteosarcoma resection in canines. Biomed Eng Lett 2019; 9:97-108. [PMID: 30956883 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-018-00092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper outlines the achievements and challenges in the additive manufacturing (AM) application to veterinary practice. The state-of-the-art in AM application to the veterinary surgery is presented, with the focus of AM for patient-specific implants manufacturing. It also provides critical discussion on some of the potential issues design and technology should overcome for wider and more effective implementation of additively manufactured parts in veterinary practices. Most of the discussions in present paper are related to the metallic implants, manufactured in this case using so-called powder bed additive manufacturing (PB-AM) in titanium alloy Ti-6AL-4V, and to the corresponding process of their design, manufacturing and implementation in veterinary surgery. Procedures of the implant design and individualization for veterinary surgery are illustrated basing on the four performed surgery cases with dog patients. Results of the replacement surgery in dogs indicate that individualized additively manufactured metallic implants significantly increase chances for successful recovery process, and AM techniques present a viable alternative to amputation in a large number of veterinary cases. The same time overcoming challenges of implant individualization in veterinary practice significantly contributes to the knowledge directly relevant to the modern medical practice. An experience from veterinary cases where organ-preserving surgery with 3D-printed patient-specific implants is performed provides a unique opportunity for future development of better human implants.
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196
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Abstract
This chapter describes the multiple stages present during adolescence and the importance of animals in the lives of adolescents. From the ages of 10–25, adolescents and the role that their pets play in each other’s lives change dramatically. Here, we present three adolescent stages and the value of relationships adolescents have with their pets during these distinct stages. How studies have looked at ways pets influence or impact an adolescent’s life will be explored. The chapter also looks more specifically at a pet’s impact on physical health, social-emotional development, and socialization during the adolescence. We examine specific populations of adolescents, such as college students, rural adolescents, homeless adolescents, at-risk adolescents including adolescents who are suicidal, adolescents participating in canine-assisted therapy, and how their pet’s aide the adolescent. Lastly, experiences from several adolescents are provided.
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197
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Ingram KM, Cohen-Filipic J. Benefits, challenges, and needs of people living with cancer and their companion dogs: An exploratory study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2018; 37:110-126. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1529010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Ingram
- Department of Psychology, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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198
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Catala A, Cousillas H, Hausberger M, Grandgeorge M. Dog alerting and/or responding to epileptic seizures: A scoping review. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208280. [PMID: 30513112 PMCID: PMC6279040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a rising interest in service dogs for people with epilepsy. Dogs have been reported as being sensitive to epileptic episodes in their owners, alerting before and/or responding during or after a seizure, with or without specific training. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the scientific research on seizure-alert/response dogs for people with epilepsy. We aimed to identify the existing scientific literature on the topic, describe the characteristics of seizure-alert/response dogs, and evaluate the state of the evidence base and outcomes. Out of 28 studies published in peer-reviewed journals dealing with this topic, only 5 (one prospective study and four self-reported questionnaires) qualified for inclusion according to PRISMA guidelines. Reported times of alert before seizure varied widely among dogs (with a range from 10 seconds to 5 hours) but seemed to be reliable (accuracy from ≥70% to 85% according to owner reports). Alerting behaviors were generally described as attention-getting. The alert applied to many seizure types. Dogs mentioned as being seizure-alert dogs varied in size and breed. Training methods differed between service animal programs, partially relying on hypothesized cues used by dogs (e.g., variations in behavior, scent, heart rate). Most studies indicated an increase in quality of life and a reduction in the seizure frequency when living with a dog demonstrating seizure-related behavior. However, the level of methodological rigor was generally poor. In conclusion, scientific data are still too scarce and preliminary to reach any definitive conclusion regarding the success of dogs in alerting for an impending seizure, the cues on which this ability may be based, the best type of dog, and associated training. While these preliminary data suggest that this is a promising topic, further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Catala
- Université de Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine)—UMR 6552, Paimpont, France
- Association Handi’Chiens, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Cousillas
- Université de Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine)—UMR 6552, Rennes, France
| | - Martine Hausberger
- CNRS, Université de Rennes, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine)—UMR 6552, Paimpont, France
| | - Marine Grandgeorge
- Université de Rennes, Normandie Univ, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine)—UMR 6552, Paimpont, France
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199
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Yuma P, Fowler J, Duerr F, Kogan L, Stockman J, Graham DJ, Duncan C. Promoting Outdoor Physical Activity for People and Pets: Opportunities for Veterinarians to Engage in Public Health. Top Companion Anim Med 2018; 34:18-21. [PMID: 30808492 DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is a health promoting behavior that transcends species. The collective evidence of a positive relationship between PA and health in both people and animals suggests that implementation of outdoor, dog-associated activities to increase PA may synergistically enhance both human and dog health. A systematic literature review was performed to identify research investigating objective, quantitative health outcomes in both dogs and people exercising together. Within the confines of the search, only 2 studies fulfilled the criteria for complete review. One study was administered through a veterinary clinic and another through a human health care provider. Both studies focused on obesity treatment, either for the dog or for both the dog and the owner. Collectively this work demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneously promoting health in both groups through PA; however there are limitations to the generalizability of the findings. Additional research is needed to further investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of PA promotion in primary care veterinary clinics as well as the use of animal-assisted PA promotion as a preventative, not just therapeutic, tool. As diseases that can be prevented, at least in part, by regular PA are now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, veterinarians have the potential to significantly impact not only the health of their patients, but also that of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Yuma
- Colorado State University, School of Social Work, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Fowler
- City and County of Broomfield Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health and Environment, Broomfield, CO, USA
| | - Felix Duerr
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lori Kogan
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan Stockman
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Dan J Graham
- Colorado State University, Psychology Department, College of Natural Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
| | - Colleen Duncan
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Bergen-Cico D, Smith Y, Wolford K, Gooley C, Hannon K, Woodruff R, Spicer M, Gump B. Dog Ownership and Training Reduces Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Increases Self-Compassion Among Veterans: Results of a Longitudinal Control Study. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:1166-1175. [PMID: 30256652 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure the potential impact of a therapeutic dog ownership and training program for Veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Design: The study used a quasi-experimental design with two cohorts of Veterans-a dog owner-trainer intervention and a wait list control group. Participants completed baseline and 12-month follow-up assessments. Setting: Clear Path for Veterans, a nonclinical, open recreation facility whose mission is to support Veterans and their families in the reintegration process after military service. Subjects: Participants (n = 48) were either enrolled in the veterans therapeutic dog owner-trainer program (Dogs2Vets) or were placed in the wait list control group. Intervention: Veterans were enrolled in the Dogs2Vets program, a 12-month structured dog owner-trainer program that engages veterans in the training and care of a dog that they ultimately adopt. The Dogs2Vets Program focuses on the healing aspects of the human-animal bond. Outcome measures: PTSD Checklist, Military Version (PCL-M), perceived stress scale, self-compassion scale (SCS) composite, and SCS subscales for isolation and self-judgment. Results: Veterans participating in the Dogs2Vets owner-trainer program experienced significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress, perceived stress, isolation, and self-judgment accompanied by significant increases in self-compassion. In contrast there were no significant improvements in these measures among veterans in the wait list control group. Qualitative data reinforced the statistical findings with themes of decreased isolation, unconditional acceptance and companionship, and a renewed sense of safety and purpose from their relationships with their dogs. Conclusion: Veterans benefit significantly from dog ownership in combination with a structured dog training program. Not only do they experience significant decreases in stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms but also they experience less isolation and self-judgment while also experiencing significant improvements in self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yvonne Smith
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | | | - Collin Gooley
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | | | | | | | - Brooks Gump
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
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