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Human-Animal Bond Generated in a Brief Animal-Assisted Therapy Intervention in Adolescents with Mental Health
Maylos Rodrigo-Claverol1,2, Marta Manuel-Canals3, Luis Lucio Lobato-Rincón4
1Primary Health Care Center Bordeta-Magraners, Catalan Institute of Health, 25001 Lleida, Spain.
Background:
The human-animal bond is crucial for the proper development of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions. However, in specific cases such as in AAT focused on psychiatric patients who are admitted to acute units, there is only a short period of time available to establish this bond.
Objectives:
To assess the degree of HAB generated after two AAT sessions in adolescents admitted to acute psychiatry units.
Methods:
A prospective multicenter cohort study aimed at adolescents aged 13 to 17 years admitted to the acute child and adolescent psychiatry unit of three hospitals.
Intervention:
Two weekly 1 h group sessions of AAT with therapy dogs.
Main Outcome:
The Center for the Study of Animal Wellness Pet Bonding Scale Survey (CSAWPB).
Results:
One hundred and fourteen adolescents participated. A positive perception of the dog was generated, achieving a good level of bonding and attachment.
Conclusions:
The results obtained make it possible to affirm that a short period of time is enough to establish a good HAB between patients and therapy dogs. This study aims to contribute to the study of non-pharmacological interventions as a complement to pharmacological treatments in adolescents with mental health disorders.
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