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Animal-assisted therapy - magic or medicine?
1Life Sciences Research Institute, Technikon Pretoria, Private Bag X680, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa. odendaalj@techpta.ac.za
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|December 20, 2000
Summary
Positive human-animal interactions increase specific neurochemicals linked to attention in both humans and dogs. This finding provides a scientific basis for the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Human-Animal Interaction
- Neuroendocrinology
- Physiological Psychology
Background:
- Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) requires a strong theoretical foundation.
- Physiological parameters must be scientifically measured to support AAT.
- Understanding the neurochemical basis of human-animal bonds is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological changes during positive human-animal interaction.
- To measure specific neurochemical alterations in humans and dogs.
- To establish a scientific rationale for the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy.
Main Methods:
- Measured six neurochemicals associated with blood pressure changes.
- Studied 18 human participants and 18 dogs.
- Collected data before and after positive interaction sessions.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases (P<.05) in targeted neurochemicals were observed in both species.
- Elevated neurochemicals were linked to attention-seeking and attention-giving behaviors.
- Physiological responses indicate a shared neurochemical response to positive interaction.
Conclusions:
- Positive human-animal interactions elicit measurable neurochemical changes in both species.
- The observed neurochemical shifts provide a physiological basis for AAT.
- This study supports the use of animal-assisted therapy based on scientific evidence.