Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
05:47
Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model (CDM)
Published on: September 23, 2021
Important elements in farm animal-assisted interventions for persons with clinical depression: a qualitative
Ingeborg Pedersen1, Camilla Ihlebæk, Marit Kirkevold
1Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Research Group of Nature, Health and Quality of Life , Ås, Norway. ingeborg.pedersen@umb.no
Disability and Rehabilitation
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Farm animal-assisted interventions offer a positive experience for individuals with depression, providing coping mechanisms through flexible work and distraction. This approach can be a valuable supplement in mental health rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Clinical depression significantly impacts individuals' quality of life.
- Traditional mental health treatments may benefit from complementary therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore participants' lived experiences of a farm animal-assisted intervention.
- To identify key elements contributing to mental health within this intervention.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach.
- Thematic interviews were conducted with eight individuals diagnosed with clinical depression.
- Participants had completed a 12-week farm animal-assisted intervention at a dairy farm.
Main Results:
- The intervention was perceived as a positive experience.
- Key elements included experiencing ordinary work life and distraction from illness.
- Flexibility and adapted work tasks were crucial for coping and adjusting to participants' realities.
Conclusions:
- Farm animal-assisted intervention can serve as a supplementary approach in mental health rehabilitation.
- The identified elements within the intervention model show potential for positive mental health influence.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:25Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
01:05Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:03Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...