Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

6.5K

The Role of Animal Assisted Intervention on Improving Self-Esteem in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity

Sabrina E B Schuck1, Heather L Johnson2, Maryam M Abdullah3

  • 1Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|November 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) significantly improved self-esteem in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This approach enhanced self-perceptions in behavioral conduct, social skills, and academic competence, offering a novel therapeutic avenue.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Mental Health Interventions
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy

Background:

  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is prevalent in children and linked to low self-esteem.
  • Low self-esteem in children with ADHD can contribute to depression and anxiety.
  • Psychosocial interventions aim to boost self-esteem and mitigate comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) for enhancing self-esteem in children with ADHD.
  • To evaluate AAI's impact on self-perceptions across various life domains.
  • To compare AAI's effectiveness against a control group without AAI.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized control trial design was employed with 80 children (ages 7-9, 71% male) diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Self-esteem was assessed using the Self-Perception Profile for Children, measuring domains like behavioral conduct, social, and scholastic competence.
  • Stratified Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment self-esteem scores between the AAI and control groups.

Main Results:

  • Children in the AAI group showed significant improvements in self-perceived behavioral conduct (p=.021), social competence (p=.008), and scholastic competence (p=.011).
  • No significant pre- to post-treatment changes in self-perception were observed in the control group.
  • These findings indicate a positive impact of AAI on multiple facets of self-esteem in children with ADHD.

Conclusions:

  • Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) represent a promising and viable strategy for improving self-esteem in children with ADHD.
  • AAI may help mitigate negative self-perceptions related to conduct, social interactions, and academic performance.
  • The study supports the integration of AAI into therapeutic approaches for pediatric ADHD.

Keywords:
ADHDAnimal Assisted InterventionHuman Animal Interactionschool-based interventionsself-awarenessself-esteemsocial skills trainingtherapy dogs

More Related Videos

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults08:25

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults

Published on: October 19, 2014

15.8K
Gaze in Action: Head-mounted Eye Tracking of Children's Dynamic Visual Attention During Naturalistic Behavior07:09

Gaze in Action: Head-mounted Eye Tracking of Children's Dynamic Visual Attention During Naturalistic Behavior

Published on: November 14, 2018

11.5K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
986
Trait and State Self-Esteem02:08

Trait and State Self-Esteem

The term self-esteem is often used generically, to refer to how people feel about themselves. However, according to research, there are three distinct constructs that should not be used interchangeably (Brown & Marshall, 2006). 
11.5K
Self-Esteem01:28

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem, a core aspect of psychological well-being, reflects an individual's positive and negative self-evaluation in terms of worth, competence, and overall value. It is both a stable trait and a dynamic process, influenced by experiences and social interactions across the lifespan. While global self-esteem offers a general assessment, research highlights that self-esteem is multidimensional and varies across specific life domains.Domain-Specific Self-EsteemResearchers have delineated...
231
Need for Self-Esteem01:27

Need for Self-Esteem

The human need for self-esteem has long intrigued psychologists, leading to the development of several theories that explore its evolutionary and functional significance. Among the most influential are the sociometer, hierometer, and terror management theories. Each offers a unique perspective on why people strive for self-worth and how it shapes behavior and social interaction.Sociometer TheoryAccording to sociometer theory, self-esteem functions as an internal gauge of social acceptance. It...
209
Benefits of Self-Esteem01:25

Benefits of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem—an individual's overall evaluation of their worth—plays a complex role in psychological functioning and well-being. It is often associated with many positive traits, such as confidence, optimism, and perseverance. Individuals with high self-esteem typically experience better sleep, manage peer pressure more effectively, and report greater life satisfaction. Conversely, low self-esteem has been consistently linked with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and poor...
199
Self-Esteem and Culture01:26

Self-Esteem and Culture

Self-esteem, a core psychological construct, is intricately shaped by cultural context and varies significantly between collectivist and individualistic societies. In collectivist cultures such as Japan, self-esteem tends to be flexible, context-sensitive, and influenced by relationships. A Japanese student, for instance, may show restraint in formal settings like school but behave more openly among close friends, reflecting the flexible and dynamic nature of self-concept in such...
234