Can Interacting with Animals Improve Executive Functions? A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Animal Interaction Studies

Background:

• Growing interest in human-animal interactions (HAIs) for enhancing executive functions (EFs).
• Executive functions encompass planning, problem-solving, and self-regulation.
• A comprehensive review of existing literature was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the existing literature on the relationship between human-animal interactions and executive functions.
• To identify common research approaches and findings in this field.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Inclusion of 16 peer-reviewed papers and 7 grey literature sources (6 dissertations, 1 thesis).
• Analysis of studies exploring human-pet relationships, animal presence during EF tests, and animal-assisted services for EFs.

Main Results:

• Five studies reported significant EF improvements, though effect sizes were often underreported.
• Nine studies yielded mixed findings (d = 0.32-0.55), and eight found no significant results.
• Research demonstrated significant heterogeneity in methodologies and outcome measures, limiting overall rigor.

Conclusions:

• Human-animal interactions show a potential, albeit inconsistent, impact on executive functions.
• Current research quality is limited by methodological variability.
• Future research should prioritize high-quality methodologies, including randomization and appropriate control groups, to strengthen evidence.