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Chapman RL, Baselmans C, Howell TJ, Ronken C, Butler D. Exploring the Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Complex Trauma in Children: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1017. [PMID: 39201951 PMCID: PMC11352800 DOI: 10.3390/children11081017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The manifestation of complex trauma results from exposure to severe and repetitive stressors occurring within the caregiver system. Frequently associated with child maltreatment, complex trauma can lead to impairments in multiple domains, including attachment, affect and behavioural regulation, and cognition. Treatments, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, have been shown to be efficacious, but high attrition rates point to the need for complementary methods that boost client retention and treatment efficacy. This systematic review examines whether dog-assisted therapy has beneficial impacts on the treatment of complex trauma and whether it can decrease treatment attrition among children presenting with complex trauma exposure. METHODS We followed PRISMA guidelines to locate relevant research reports. Seven published research reports matched the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Dog-assisted therapy may increase the efficacy of standard interventions for complex trauma, although only one study formally assessed treatment retention. Across most studies, there is an overall lack of detailed information on the nature of therapeutic activities involving the dog and how these activities may complement or enhance therapy as usual. Studies were of varying methodological quality, impacting the reliability of findings. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should aim to better describe and justify dog-assisted therapy techniques and evaluate these in comparison with standard evidence-based approaches to the treatment of childhood complex trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L. Chapman
- Bravehearts, Arundel, QLD 4214, Australia; (R.L.C.); (C.R.)
- Queensland Police Service, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Caitlin Baselmans
- Faculty of Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, VIC 3123, Australia; (C.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Tiffani J. Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Carol Ronken
- Bravehearts, Arundel, QLD 4214, Australia; (R.L.C.); (C.R.)
| | - David Butler
- Faculty of Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, VIC 3123, Australia; (C.B.); (D.B.)
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
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2
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Seeger L, Kübler A, Hilger K. Drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy - Results of a quantitative meta-analysis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39101511 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Animal-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta-analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop-out rate to across study drop-out rates reported in meta-analyses on conventional psychotherapy. METHOD Fifty-seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta-analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal-assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop-out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables. RESULTS The across study drop-out rate in animal-assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta-analyses drop-out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = -.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices. CONCLUSION Drop-out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal-assisted psychotherapy, this meta-analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Seeger
- Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Kübler
- Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hilger
- Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Kilmer M, Hong M, Randolph D, Reichel A, Huetter S, Bowden M, Kilmer C. Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric autism spectrum disorder: A case report. Nurse Pract 2024; 49:31-39. [PMID: 38386471 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000000000000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The use of therapy or service dogs to assist children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing in clinical settings. Research studies indicate that children with ASD display enhanced prosocial behavior and emotional regulation when canines are included in therapy. Despite increased application of animal-assisted therapy in clinical and inpatient settings, healthcare providers show limited understanding of best practices for its use and require a research-based approach to incorporate animals effectively into therapeutic plans of care for pediatric patients with ASD.
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Fornefeld D, Zellin U, Schmidt P, Fricke O. The supporting role of dogs in the inpatient setting: a systematic review of the therapeutic effects of animal-assisted therapy with dogs for children and adolescents in an inpatient setting. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02326-1. [PMID: 38147109 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is becoming increasingly popular. The possibilities and guidelines for interventions and methods are very diverse. Currently, published studies mainly concentrate on effects in paediatrics, outpatient therapy and schools. Specific recommendations for AAT in the context of inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry do not exist. This systematic review will attempt to evaluate the existing studies in terms of their methodological quality and specify positive and negative effects, aiming to provide a decision-making aid for everyday clinical practice. A systematic literature search (PubMed/MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, PubPsych, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library) according to the PRISMA criteria resulted in 1,908 identified hits, of which 49 articles were reviewed in full text. Three raters contributed to the review of the articles using a criteria-guided codebook. This systematic review is listed in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022358909). Quality analysis was conducted using Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Five studies were identified. The majority of these showed deficits in quality. Therapeutic effects and positive influences on the psychopathological status, interpersonal relationships and subjective well-being or attitudes towards canine-assisted therapy (CAT) could be identified. Current studies indicate positive therapeutic effects of CAT in the inpatient treatment of children and adolescents. A cautiously positive perspective is warranted, but a general recommendation for CAT cannot be given. CAT should be carefully considered, planned, and implemented by professionals. For the future, further randomised controlled studies including follow-up studies, larger subject groups and clinically evaluated interventions are necessary to validate the current results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Fornefeld
- Department of Special Care Dentistry, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str 50, 58448, Witten, Germany.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany.
| | - Undine Zellin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Department of Artistic Therapies and Therapy Sciences, Institute for Art Therapy, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Alfter, Germany
| | - Peter Schmidt
- Department of Special Care Dentistry, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str 50, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Oliver Fricke
- Faculty of Health, Department of Human Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Doan T, Pennewitt D, Patel R. Animal assisted therapy in pediatric mental health conditions: A review. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2023; 53:101506. [PMID: 38040610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) has been explored as a treatment option for children with mental health disorders and associated symptoms. AAT can be implemented in inpatient, outpatient, and residential care settings. Some studies demonstrate significant improvement in symptom severity while others report only modest results. In this review, we summarize previous studies that have investigated the applications of AAT for pediatric mental health treatment, focusing on management of symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and internet gaming disorder. Current studies on AAT and mental health care tend to lack generalizability due to being single-site studies, and comparisons between studies are difficult because studies tend to adopt different definitions of AAT. Future studies examining the effects of AAT on mental health in general and on symptoms for specific conditions are needed before AAT is widely recommended for the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Doan
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Deanna Pennewitt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Rohan Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Tumlin KI, Riley EN, Vsevolozhskaya O, Cull M. Lower Emotional Exhaustion among Employees Is Associated with Intentional Incorporation of Animals into Residential Care Settings. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050421. [PMID: 37232658 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary effects of animal-integrated programming on residential care center (RCC) staff and organizational culture are not well understood. We explored emotional exhaustion among RCC employees both in facilities that incorporated animals and those that did not incorporate animals into the therapeutic environment. We conducted a survey throughout a large midwestern RCC system in the United States to determine relationships between organizational culture, emotional exhaustion, and the intentionality by which animals were incorporated into programming. Data were analyzed by examining associations between variables of interest using chi-square or t-tests, and linear mixed-effects modeling was used to identify potential confounding effects due to differences in children served within RCCs. Staff from RCCs that used animals intentionally reported lower emotional exhaustion (p = 0.006), and higher average workplace safety (p = 0.024) and psychological safety (p < 0.001). Integrating animals into RCC programming is associated with elements of a strong organizational culture. It is possible that animal-integrated programming has a positive impact on the facility culture and workforce, and/or that RCCs with strong pre-existing cultures are more likely to use animal-integrated programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly I Tumlin
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Elizabeth N Riley
- Department of Health Management & Policy, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Olga Vsevolozhskaya
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Michael Cull
- Department of Health Management & Policy, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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Overbey TA, Diekmann F, Lekies KS. Nature-based interventions for vulnerable youth: a scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:15-53. [PMID: 34758663 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1998390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based interventions hold promise for vulnerable youth experiencing mental, emotional, developmental, behavioral, or social difficulties. This scoping review examined wilderness therapy, animal assisted therapy, care farming, and gardening and horticultural therapy programs to raise awareness and guide future development of research and treatment options. Studies included in this review were identified through a systematic search of the literature informed by a scoping review framework. Studies were examined by design, sample, intervention, and key findings. The majority of studies were quantitative using repeated measures designs and were conducted primarily in the United States. Sample sizes were generally small. Interventions were residential and community based with varying degrees of duration. Outcomes were largely positive across a wide range of psychosocial and behavioral measures and often maintained post-treatment. We emphasize the importance of robust empirical designs, comprehensive description of the interventions and surrounding therapies, and identification of target groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Overbey
- University Libraries, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Florian Diekmann
- Food Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Library, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristi S Lekies
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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8
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Kovács G, van Dijke A, Leontjevas R, Enders-Slegers MJ. The Relevance of Internal Working Models of Self and Others for Equine-Assisted Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10803. [PMID: 36078534 PMCID: PMC9518159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Attachment characteristics play a key role in mental health and in understanding mental disorders. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the role the attachment characteristics can play in treatment effects in adult patients with intrapsychic and interpersonal problems who underwent Equine-assisted Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ESTPP). In the first part of the study, we compared the effects of ESTPP to treatment-as-usual from a previous dataset regarding psychological dysfunction. For this, an explorative experimental non-randomized pre-treatment and 1-year post-treatment design was used. A mixed model revealed a significant decline in psychological dysfunction for both conditions, with no significant difference between the two. In the second part of the study, we examined the course of ESTPP effects over the period of 1 year when controlled for attachment styles and, subsequently, for internal working models of self and others. To this end, measurements were taken at baseline, 2 months waiting time, one-week intensive module, 6 months, and one year after the start of the treatment. Mixed models accounted for repeated measures showed significant improvements in psychological dysfunction, remoralization, and depression for ESTPP patients over time. The study implies that models of self and others may be used to predict the course of effects, which is relevant in determining what works for whom. In particularly, duration and intensity of therapy and a focus on the Model of Self seem relevant for shaping a more personalized treatment. ESTPP seems beneficial for patients with low pre-treatment attachment security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géza Kovács
- Department of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
- SPEL Psychologen Putten, 3881 NE Putten, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek van Dijke
- PsyQ I-Psy Brijder The Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roeslan Leontjevas
- Department of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
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9
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Allen B, Shenk CE, Dreschel NE, Wang M, Bucher AM, Desir MP, Chen MJ, Grabowski SR. Integrating Animal-Assisted Therapy Into TF-CBT for Abused Youth With PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:466-477. [PMID: 33499659 PMCID: PMC9215110 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520988790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This clinical trial examined animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for abused youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Youth between the ages of 6 and 17 (M = 11.79, SD = 3.08) were randomized to receive standard TF-CBT or TF-CBT with adjunctive AAT (TF-CBT+AAT) employing retired service dogs. Feasibility metrics evaluating the addition of AAT were collected in addition to common clinical outcomes evaluated in TF-CBT trials. The inclusion of AAT increased the number of potential participants who declined participation and there were no noted benefits for treatment retention or satisfaction with services. Analyses showed that the inclusion of AAT did not enhance improvement of PTSD symptom severity (β = .90, t = .94, p = .351) or a number of other outcomes. On the contrary, there were indications from analyses and clinician feedback that AAT may have attenuated improvement in many cases. This study identified a number of important feasibility considerations in the design of studies testing AAT. However, the results examining clinical outcomes suggest that the inclusion of AAT with TF-CBT in the treatment of maltreated youth with PTSD is not warranted at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Chad E Shenk
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 8082Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Nancy E Dreschel
- Department of Animal Science, 8082Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, 12310Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ashley M Bucher
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Michelle P Desir
- Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Michelle J Chen
- Department of Psychology, 14727University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Simonie R Grabowski
- Department of Psychology, 4052Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA
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Animal-Assisted Intervention and Health Care Workers’ Psychological Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030383. [PMID: 35158706 PMCID: PMC8833329 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare settings have recently increased the use of companion animals in the workplace to provide emotional support to people with disabilities, but there is limited empirical research on the effects of these programs on healthcare workers. However, it is reasonable to speculate that Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) may have positive effects on health care workers (HCWs) by buffering the negative effects of work-related stress and other occupational psychosocial risk factors. The aim of this review was to examine the beneficial effects of AAIs on the psychological well-being of HCWs. A systematic review was conducted in December 2021 to gain insight into the positive effects of pets on HCWs in the workplace. Searches were conducted in the following databases: Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including studies between 2001 and December 2021, and 12 articles were included in the review. The results indicate that implementing the AAI program in a busy clinic is feasible and that the program is accepted by medical professionals because of the immense psychological benefits it provides. However, the healthcare professionals disliked the experimental design that forced them to leave their workplaces at a certain time.
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Muela A, Balluerka N, Sansinenea E, Machimbarrena JM, García-Ormaza J, Ibarretxe N, Eguren A, Baigorri P. A Social-Emotional Learning Program for Suicide Prevention through Animal-Assisted Intervention. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123375. [PMID: 34944152 PMCID: PMC8698043 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Youth suicide is a global public health problem. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the age group between 15 and 29 years, after injuries due to traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and interpersonal violence. For this reason, the reduction of mortality by suicide is one of the WHO’s priority objectives. Here we describe a pilot study evaluating the OverCome-AAI program, a pioneering animal-assisted intervention for preventing suicidal behavior. After the intervention, the young people showed reductions in suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-harm, as well as a greater predisposition to seek help. Mental pain was less intense, although no changes in symptoms of hopelessness or depression were found. The results of this pilot study suggest that the inclusion of specially prepared and trained animals can promote socio-emotional learning for preventing suicidal behavior in high-risk populations. Abstract The aim of the study was to carry out a pilot implementation and evaluation of the OverCome-AAI program, a pioneering program for the prevention of suicidal behavior through animal-assisted interventions for young people with high risk factors for suicidal behavior. The study sample consisted of 30 adolescents (11 boys and 19 girls) aged between 14 and 17 years (Mean age = 15.50, SD = 1.60) from the Basque Country (Northern Spain). After the intervention, subjects presented reductions in suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and non-suicidal self-harm, as well as a greater predisposition to seek help. A reduction in the intensity of mental pain was also found, although no differences were observed in indicators of hopelessness and depression. The preliminary results obtained in this pilot study suggest that the OverCome-AAI program may be effective in reducing suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-harm in young people in residential care who present high risk factors for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Muela
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; (N.B.); (E.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-943-01-8310
| | - Nekane Balluerka
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; (N.B.); (E.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Eneko Sansinenea
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; (N.B.); (E.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Juan Manuel Machimbarrena
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; (N.B.); (E.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Jon García-Ormaza
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain;
- Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Zamudio Hospital, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nekane Ibarretxe
- Agintzari Cooperative Society of Social Initiative, 48014 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Ane Eguren
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; (N.B.); (E.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.E.)
- Agintzari Cooperative Society of Social Initiative, 48014 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Patxi Baigorri
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Development, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain;
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Hediger K, Wagner J, Künzi P, Haefeli A, Theis F, Grob C, Pauli E, Gerger H. Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1879713. [PMID: 34377357 PMCID: PMC8330800 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1879713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are increasingly applied for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms albeit its effectiveness is unclear.Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of AAI for treating PTSD symptoms.Method: We searched 11 major electronic databases for studies reporting quantitative data on effects of AAI for children and adults with PTSD symptoms. Of 22'211 records identified, we included 41 studies with 1111 participants in the systematic review comprising eight controlled studies with 469 participants in the meta-analysis. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses with all controlled studies based on standardized mean differences (SMD), and calculated standardized mean change (SMC) as effect sizes for studies with a pre-post one-group design. Two independent researchers assessed the quality of the included studies using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. The primary outcome was PTSD or depression symptom severity measured via a standardized measurement at pre- and post-intervention assessments.Results: There was a small but not statistically significant superiority of AAI over standard PTSD psychotherapy (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.04) in reducing PTSD symptom severity while AAI was superior to waitlist (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.56 to 0.08). Getting a service dog was superior to waiting for a service dog (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.88 to -0.28). AAI led to comparable effects in reducing depression as standard PTSD psychotherapy (SMD = -0.03, CI: -0.88 to 0.83). Pre-post comparisons showed large variation for the reduction in PTSD symptom severity, with SMCs ranging from -0.38 to -1.64, and for depression symptom severity, ranging from 0.01 to -2.76. Getting a service dog lowered PTSD symptoms between -0.43 and -1.10 and depression with medium effect size of -0.74.Conclusions: The results indicate that AAI are efficacious in reducing PTSD symptomatology and depression. Future studies with robust study designs and large samples are needed for valid conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hediger
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,REHAB Basel, Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Human and Animal Health Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on the Human-Animal Relationship Switzerland, c/o Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Wagner
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Künzi
- REHAB Basel, Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Haefeli
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felicitas Theis
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carmina Grob
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elena Pauli
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heike Gerger
- Faculty of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kovács G, van Dijke A, Enders-Slegers MJ. Psychodynamic Based Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adults with Intertwined Personality Problems and Traumatization: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165661. [PMID: 32764468 PMCID: PMC7460234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The growing field of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), a subfield of animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP), needs theoretically-based clinical studies. This systematic review examines the existing clinical studies in adult populations on psychodynamic psychotherapy combined with equine-assisted psychotherapy. An electronic database search was divided in two studies to identify publications on 1) EAP combined with psychodynamic psychotherapy and 2) EAP combined to personality problems and traumatization in order to compile studies by population, intervention, outcome and therapeutic assets. Study 1 revealed no relevant clinical studies on EAP with a psychodynamic background with an adult population. Study 2 revealed 12 publications to review predominantly addressing veterans with PTSD. The methodological limitations of most of the studies restrain the overall findings on outcome. However, overall positive effects for EAP, specifically on its experiential features and on finding interpersonal trust for patients, can be discerned. There is an apparent need for clinical studies meeting methodological standards on psychodynamic underpinned EAP methodologies in adults with intertwined personality problems and traumatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géza Kovács
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands;
- SPEL Psychologen Putten, Garderenseweg 158, 3881 NE Putten, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek van Dijke
- Online poli’s I-psy psyQ Brijder, Parnassia Group, Schipholpoort 20, 2034 MA Haarlem, The Netherlands;
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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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Muela A, Balluerka N, Amiano N, Caldentey MA, Aliri J. Animal-assisted psychotherapy for young people with behavioural problems in residential care. Clin Psychol Psychother 2017; 24:O1485-O1494. [PMID: 28730756 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) programme on clinical symptoms, personal adjustment, and adaptive skills in a group of adolescents in residential care who had experienced childhood trauma and who presented mental health problems and difficulties adapting to the care home environment. The 87 participants (Mage = 15.17, SD = 1.53) were divided into two groups: a treatment group (25 girls and 27 boys; Mage = 15.00, SD = 1.55) and a control group (9 girls and 26 boys; Mage = 15.42, SD = 1.50). The programme consisted of 34 sessions involving both group (23 sessions) and individual (11 sessions) AAP. The Behaviour Assessment System for Children was used to evaluate clinical and adaptive dimensions of behaviour and personality. The results indicated that, in comparison with controls, the young people who took part in the AAP programme reported a significant improvement on two measures of internalizing symptoms, namely, depression and sense of inadequacy. Although no significant differences were observed in relation to externalizing symptoms, the adolescents who received the AAP programme showed improved social skills in terms of their ability to interact satisfactorily with peers and adults in the care home environment, as well as a more positive attitude towards teachers at school. These results suggest that AAP may be a promising treatment for young people who have experienced childhood trauma and who subsequently find it difficult to adapt to the residential care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Muela
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nekane Balluerka
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of the Behavioural Sciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastián, Spain.,Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Doctor Begiristain Kalea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nora Amiano
- ANOTHE, Association of Animal and Nature Assisted Therapy, Getxo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Jone Aliri
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of the Behavioural Sciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastián, Spain
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