1
|
Fuglsang-Damgaard LH, Lunde SJ, Christensen JW, Vase L, Videbech PB, Thodberg K. Human physiological responses to different types of human-dog interactions: A randomised crossover study. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2024; 57:101899. [PMID: 39217835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101899] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies of human-dog interventions vary in terms of type of interaction, which is rarely quantified, leading to contradictory findings and limited comparability. To uncover the influence of different types of interactions, the present study investigated if it was possible to detect differences in immediate physiological measurements of healthy humans during different standardised types of interaction with a dog. Thirty-three healthy participants (women = 25, men = 8, >18 years) were exposed to four different test situations with standardised types of interaction intensity with a dog in random order: no dog present (CONTROL), looking at a dog (VISUAL), petting a dog (TACTILE) or performing tricks with a dog (ACTIVE). Each test situation lasted 10 min with a 30-min break between each. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance (tonic level (SCL) and peak counts (SCR)) were continuously recorded. Blood pressure (BP) and salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) were measured before and after each test situation. Linear Mixed Models were applied. HR, HRV, BP, SCL and SCR increased with increased interaction with the dog (for all: p < 0.001). HRV increased with decreased HR (p = 0.002), increased SCL (p = 0.027), and SCR (p < 0.001) depending on the type of interaction. Generally, s-cortisol increased with increased HR (p = 0.042), SCL increased with increased SCR (p < 0.001), and SCR increased with increased HRV (p = 0.013), depending on type of interaction. The physiological measurements HR, HRV, BP, SCL and SCR are influenced by different types of dog interaction, and thus it is important to quantify and report the type of interaction in human-dog interaction studies. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT04696419).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrid Juhl Lunde
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Poul B Videbech
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Depression Research, Mental Health Center Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital, Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark; Dept. of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen Thodberg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Worrell C, Pollard R, Weetman T, Sadiq Z, Pieptan M, Brooks G, Broome M, Campbell N, Gardner N, Harding S, Lavis A, McEachan RRC, Mondelli V, Morgan C, Nosarti C, Porat T, Ryan D, Schmid L, Shire K, Woods A, Pariante CM, Dazzan P, Upthegrove R. Exploring the research needs, barriers and facilitators to the collection of biological data in adolescence for mental health research: a scoping review protocol paper. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081360. [PMID: 38862229 PMCID: PMC11168127 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While research into adolescent mental health has developed a considerable understanding of environmental and psychosocial risk factors, equivalent biological evidence is lacking and is not representative of economic, social and ethnic diversity in the adolescent population. It is important to understand the possible barriers and facilitators to conduct this research. This will then allow us to improve our understanding of how biology interacts with environmental and psychosocial risk factors during adolescence. The objective of this scoping review is to identify and understand the needs, barriers and facilitators related to the collection of biological data in adolescent mental health research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Reviewers will conduct a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, ERIC, EMBASE, ProQuest, EBSCO Global Health electronic databases, relevant publications and reference lists to identify studies published in the English language at any time. This scoping review will identify published studies exploring mental health/psychopathology outcomes, with biological measures, in participants between the ages of 11 and 18 and examine the reported methodology used for data collection. Data will be summarised in tabular form with narrative synthesis and will use the methodology of Levac et al, supplemented by subsequent recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The scoping review will be conducted with input from patient and public involvement, specifically including young people involved in our study ('Co-producing a framework of guiding principles for Engaging representative and diverse cohorts of young peopLE in Biological ReseArch in menTal hEalth'-www.celebrateproject.co.uk) Youth Expert Working Group. Dissemination will include publication in peer-reviewed journals, academic presentations and on the project website.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Worrell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Pollard
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tyler Weetman
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zara Sadiq
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Maria Pieptan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gillian Brooks
- King's Business School, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Broome
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Niyah Campbell
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Seeromanie Harding
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Lavis
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Craig Morgan
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Nosarti
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Talya Porat
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Ryan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Lea Schmid
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katy Shire
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Anthony Woods
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tonge JJ, Keevil BG, Craig JN, Whitaker MJ, Ross RJ, Elder CJ. Salivary Steroid Collection in Children Under Conditions Replicating Home Sampling. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:3128-3136. [PMID: 35961299 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Measurement of salivary glucocorticoids is an accepted method for testing adrenal function but there are few data on stability during home collection. Current salivary collection techniques require active participation or present a choking hazard and are unsuitable for young children. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare different salivary collection methods; assess the stability of salivary glucocorticoids under conditions replicating home collection; and assess patient tolerability and caregiver acceptability of a salivary collection device for young children, a swab encased in an infant pacifier (SaliPac). METHODS Six healthy adults collected salivary samples using a Salivette Cortisol, passive drool, and SalivaBio at night, waking, and 3 Pm for five days. Time to collect 1-mL saliva using the SalivaBio and SaliPac and caregiver acceptability were assessed in 30 children younger than 6 years. Saliva was stored at 4 °C, room temperature (RT), and 50 °C for 24, 48, 72 hours and 1 week to replicate potential postage conditions. Salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations were measured by mass spectrometry. RESULTS There was no difference in salivary glucocorticoid concentrations using the 3 collection methods. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were stable for 72 hours at RT and 4 °C, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles did not cause significant degradation. In children younger than 6 years the SalivaBio and SaliPac were well tolerated and collected sufficient saliva for salivary steroid analysis in less than 4 minutes. CONCLUSION Salivette, passive drool, and SalivaBio collect samples with comparable salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations, which are stable under conditions replicating home collection. SaliPac is an acceptable device for salivary sampling in young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Tonge
- Academic Unit of Medical Education, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX Sheffield, UK
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, M23 9LT Manchester, UK
| | - Jessica N Craig
- Academic Unit of Medical Education, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX Sheffield, UK
| | - Martin J Whitaker
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard J Ross
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX Sheffield, UK
| | - Charlotte J Elder
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX Sheffield, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, S10 2TH Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Can dogs reduce stress levels in school children? effects of dog-assisted interventions on salivary cortisol in children with and without special educational needs using randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269333. [PMID: 35704561 PMCID: PMC9200172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged or excessive stress negatively affects learning, behavior and health across the lifespan. To alleviate adverse effects of stress in school children, stressors should be reduced, and support and effective interventions provided. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have shown beneficial effects on health and wellbeing, however, robust knowledge on stress mediation in children is lacking. Despite this, AAIs are increasingly employed in settings world-wide, including schools, to reduce stress and support learning and wellbeing. This study is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate dog-assisted interventions as a mediator of stress in school children with and without special educational needs (SEN) over the school term. Interventions were carried out individually and in small groups twice a week for 20 minutes over the course of 4 weeks. We compared physiological changes in salivary cortisol in a dog intervention group with a relaxation intervention group and a no treatment control group. We compared cortisol level means before and after the 4 weeks of interventions in all children as well as acute cortisol in mainstream school children. Dog interventions lead to significantly lower stress in children with and without special educational needs compared to their peers in relaxation or no treatment control groups. In neurotypical children, those in the dog interventions showed no baseline stress level increases over the school term. In addition, acute cortisol levels evidenced significant stress reduction following the interventions. In contrast, the no treatment control group showed significant rises in baseline cortisol levels from beginning to end of school term. Increases also occurred in the relaxation intervention group. Children with SEN showed significantly decreased cortisol levels after dog group interventions. No changes occurred in the relaxation or no treatment control groups. These findings provide crucial evidence that dog interventions can successfully attenuate stress levels in school children with important implications for AAI implementation, learning and wellbeing.
Collapse
|
5
|
Warne N, Rook S, Bevan Jones R, Brown R, Bates L, Hopkins-Jones L, Evans A, Hall J, Langley K, Thapar A, Walters J, Murphy S, Moore G, Rice F, Collishaw S. Collecting genetic samples and linked mental health data from adolescents in schools: protocol coproduction and a mixed-methods pilot of feasibility and acceptability. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e049283. [PMID: 35105567 PMCID: PMC8808403 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To coproduce a school-based protocol and examine acceptability and feasibility of collecting saliva samples for genetic studies from secondary/high school students for the purpose of mental health research. DESIGN Protocol coproduction and mixed-methods feasibility pilot. SETTING Secondary schools in Wales, UK. PARTICIPANTS Students aged 11-13 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Coproduced research protocol including an interactive science workshop delivered in schools; school, parental and student recruitment rates; adherence to protocol and adverse events; ability to extract and genotype saliva samples; student enjoyment of the science workshop and qualitative analysis of teacher focus groups on acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS Five secondary schools participated in the coproduction phase, and three of these took part in the research study (eligible sample n=868 students). Four further schools were subsequently approached, but none participated. Parental opt-in consent was received from 98 parents (11.3% eligible sample), three parents (0.3%) actively refused and responses were not received for 767 (88.4%) parents. We obtained saliva samples plus consent for data linkage for 79 students. Only one sample was of insufficient quality to be genotyped. The science workshop received positive feedback from students. Feedback from teachers showed that undertaking research like this in schools is viewed as acceptable in principle, potentially feasible, but that there are important procedural barriers to be overcome. Key recommendations include establishing close working relationships between the research team and school classroom staff, together with improved methods for communicating with and engaging parents. CONCLUSIONS There are major challenges to undertaking large-scale genetic mental health research in secondary schools. Such research may be acceptable in principle, and in practice DNA collected from saliva in classrooms is of sufficient quality. However, key challenges that must be overcome include ensuring representative recruitment of schools and sufficient parental engagement where opt-in parental consent is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Warne
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Rook
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rhys Bevan Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel Brown
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lesley Bates
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lucinda Hopkins-Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alexandra Evans
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kate Langley
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anita Thapar
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - James Walters
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Murphy
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Graham Moore
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Frances Rice
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stephan Collishaw
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reading Skills, Social Competence, and Physiological Stress in the First Grade. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-021-09487-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAn awareness of school-related antecedents of children’s physiological stress at the beginning of school helps educators to prevent and mitigate children’s stress, the one of the major obstacles to their well-being and academic progress. We aimed to study the effect of reading skills and social competence on first-grade students’ salivary cortisol levels in natural settings. Based on previous results of the effects of everyday situations on children’s stress according to gender, we expected that both academic and social skills would affect girls’ physiological stress more, compared to boys. Our sample consisted of 277 students (7–8 years old, 50.2% girls). We used the highest salivary cortisol level of three morning samples and a cortisol level from the middle of the school day as physiological stress indicators. Reading skills were assessed by group-administered tests and social competence by teacher ratings. We found that lower reading comprehension skills and lower disruptiveness were related to higher cortisol levels for girls but not for boys. Higher empathy and lower disruptiveness moderated the effect of better reading comprehension on higher psychological stress in the middle of the school day only for girls. By recognizing the antecedents of children’s stress and supporting their academic and social skills, children’s, especially girls’, physiological self-regulation and coping skills in the primary grades will benefit.
Collapse
|
7
|
Narvekar HN. A Reflection on the Current Status of Animal-Assisted Therapy in India. HUMAN ARENAS 2021. [PMCID: PMC8446160 DOI: 10.1007/s42087-021-00250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The field of animal-assisted therapy is advancing quickly throughout the world gaining popularity as a complementary therapy. Several countries, especially in the East, are still in their nascent phase in utilizing animal-assisted therapy and a more realistic presentation of their status should drive them towards effective initiatives to promote the field. The primary objective of this paper is to throw light on the current scenario of animal-assisted therapy in India. The relevant databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Proquest, PubMed, and JSTOR were searched to identify the research literature. The organizational websites, news, and blog articles, as well as institutional repositories, were explored to maximize the evidence. A total of 24 articles were found which included published research articles as well as unpublished conference papers. Results found a dearth of practice and research throughout the country indicating an urgent need to direct steps in promoting the growth of the field. The contemporary issues in the implementation of animal-assisted therapy such as cultural and religious beliefs, lack of awareness, lack of practising organizations and therapists warrant immediate attention. Reducing the research and practice gap alongside focusing on creating awareness, changing public perception, introducing coursework in educational institutions, the publication of evidence-based research will help in the acceptance and growth of this novel therapeutic field.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dai W, Wagh SA, Chettiar S, Zhou GD, Roy R, Qiao X, Visich PS, Hoffman EP. Blunted circadian cortisol in children is associated with poor cardiovascular health and may reflect circadian misalignment. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105252. [PMID: 34049197 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Circadian cues in children (sunlight, exercise, diet patterns) may be associated with health outcomes. The primary objective was to assess associations of daily cortisol fluctuations (morning, night) with cardiovascular health outcomes. A secondary objective was to determine if 1-year longitudinal changes in circadian cortisol levels are associated with longitudinal changes in health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN The Cardiovascular Health Intervention Program (CHIP) was a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of cardiovascular risk profiles in public elementary school children in Southern Maine. Participants were 689 students in 4th grade (baseline; age = 9.20 ± 0.41 years), and 647 students in 5th grade (age = 10.53 ± 0.52 years). Longitudinal data (4th and 5th grade) was available for 347 participants. Clinical outcomes were blood pressure, hip/waist ratios, body mass index, percent fat. Laboratory measures were fasting glucose, lipids, and salivary cortisol measures (morning and evening). RESULTS Lower first-in-morning diurnal cortisol levels were associated with increased blood pressure (β -0.23 ± 0.05; p < 0.001), increased body fat (β -0.22 ± 0.05; p < 0.001), and poor lipid profiles (β -0.15 ± 0.07; p < 0.05). Inclusion of night cortisol in the model (stress-related) improved associations of the model with bodyfat composition (morning β -0.27 ± 0.05; p < 0.001; night β +0.16 ± 0.06; p < 0.01). Adjustments for potential confounding variables improved associations of morning cortisol with lipids (β -0.19 ± 0.07; p < 0.01). Longitudinal analysis showed that lower morning diurnal cortisol in 4th grade was associated with increases in blood pressure a year later (β -0.18 ± 0.08; p = 0.017) after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION Data presented suggest adding circadian misalignment (lower amplitude of first-in-morning cortisol) to existing models of metabolic syndrome in children. Further, circadian misalignment may be a factor contributing to high blood pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Dai
- Department of Computer Science, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Swanand A Wagh
- Department of Computer Science, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Steffi Chettiar
- Department of Computer Science, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Grace D Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University -SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Runia Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University -SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University -SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Xingye Qiao
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Binghamton University -SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Paul S Visich
- Exercise and Sport Performance Department, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, USA
| | - Eric P Hoffman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University -SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fine AH, Beck AM, Ng Z. The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues that will Shape the Future. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3997. [PMID: 31635430 PMCID: PMC6843928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As the worldwide popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) increases, the fieldis quickly approaching a paradigm shift, adjusting its image to incorporate more evidence-basedresearch and aligning its purpose for advancing a new future. Contemporary critical issues thatconfront the field today include, but are not limited, to research, animal welfare, practice guidelines,and public policy. This article will provide an overview of the history of AAI and the majormilestones that the field has undergone. The current state of AAI research will be scrutinized, andthe areas that warrant further study will be recommended. Special attention will be given to thecurrent state of animal welfare in AAI, the research that has been done in the area, and practiceguidelines that safeguard animal wellbeing. This article will then discuss how evidence-basedresearch and animal welfare guidelines inform the development of comprehensive professionalstandards and influence changes in public policy regarding AAI. The authors' perceptions for thefield's future trajectory will be presented, which will include solutions to move the field in thedirection that best advances the human-animal bond in research, practice, and public perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey H Fine
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona- Department of Education 3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA.
| | - Alan M Beck
- Center for Human-Animal Bond, College Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Zenithson Ng
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| |
Collapse
|