Demonstrating the Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Presented by: Katherine Brown, Lindsey Swanson & Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist

Key Terms

Human/Animal Bond

Animal-Assisted Activities

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Theoretical Background

Biochemical Theories

Learning Theories

Social Cognitive Theories

Social Theories

*Attachment Theory*

Early and Anecdotal Accounts- Quakers and the York Retreat

- Rehab for WWI veterans

- Dr. Boris Levinson

Empirical Studies - Friedmann, Katcher, Lynn, & Thomas (1980)

- Studies with a Focus on Developmental Disabilities

Previous Efforts

Current Study Purpose:

To examine the impact of animal assisted therapy on overall functioning in adults with intellectual disabilities

Hypothesis:

Participants engaging in specific therapeutic interventions with a live therapy animal will improve on the behavioral domains above and beyond that of participants receiving extra therapeutic time with a human caretaker.

Methods - Participants

20 adults13 female, 7 maleage range: 17-50 years, Mage =

26.95, SD = 9.87

All participants diagnosed with an intellectual disability to some degree

Methods - Measures

Measurement of Pet Intervention (MOPI; Schiro-Geist, 2001)Eight questions assessing 4 behavioral

dimensions:Attention spanPhysical movementCommunicationCompliance

Two components: general level/quality & time/frequency

Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.94 - 0.95

Methods - Procedures

Staff members completed 2 MOPIs for all participants, one prior to intervention and one post-intervention

Three groups were developed: 2 intervention groups and 1 control group

- Modification: 2 groups after 6 weeks

The intervention was conducted for 20 minute sessions, twice weekly for eight weeks

Intervention8-week manualized AAT program

Week 1: Therapeutic goals- Rapport-building;

Play Day 1 Activities- Petting; Ring Around

the Rosy Day 2 Activities- Petting; Object Toss

Week 2: Therapeutic goals- Pet Care; Grooming Day 1 Activities- Brush + Treat Day 2 Activities- Walk Preparation

InterventionWeek 3:

Therapeutic Goals- Language; Commands

Day 1 Activities- Basic Dog Commands

Day 2 Activities- Play Tambourine

Week 4: Therapeutic Goals- Safety; Etiquette Day 1 Activities- Walk Outdoors Day 2 Activities- Encounter Others

Data Analysis & ResultsCorrelations were inconclusive

MANOVA – both groups improved over time with no significant differences between groups

Results show no adverse effects on participants

Anecdotal reports

Limitations & Implications Limitations

Inconsistency of attendance

Difficulty in providing a manualized program within a dynamic summer program

Difficulty in keeping treatment and control groups separated

Implications

The use of AAT for adults with intellectual disabilities may be an alternative and effective form of treatment

ReferencesChandler, C. K. (2012). Animal assisted therapy in

counseling (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.

Fine, A. H. (2010). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and

guidelines for practice (3rd ed.). Boston: Academic Press.

Friedmann, E., Katcher, A. H., Lynch, J. J., & Thomas, S. A. (1980). Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Reports, 95,

307-312.

ReferencesHooker, S. D., Freeman, L. H., & Stewart, P. (2002).

Pet therapy research: A historical review. Holistic Nursing Practice, 17, 17-23.

Martin, F., & Farnum, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive

developmental disorders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, 657-670.

Heimlich, K. (2001). Animal-assisted therapy and the severely-disabled child: A quantitative study.

Journal of Rehabilitation, 67, 48-54.

ReferencesLind, N. 2009. Animal assisted therapy activities to

motivate and inspire. Lombard, IL: PYOW Publishing, Ink.

Nimer, J., & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis. Anthrozoos, 20, 225-238. Retrieved September 16, 2008,

from the Academic OneFile database.

Questions?