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Exploring the Perceptions of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury Participating in Animal-Assisted Therapy with
Alex Sargsyan1, Lora H Beebe2, Frances Horn3
1College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine
|August 20, 2025
Summary
Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals (AATF), using ducks, shows promise for traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation. Participants reported enhanced emotional well-being and connection through this nature-based intervention.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
- Neurorehabilitation
Background:
- Green Care therapies utilize nature-based interventions for mental and physical health recovery.
- Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals (AATF) is a subset of Green Care, promoting healing through interaction with animals in natural settings.
- Prior research indicates benefits of animal-assisted therapies (AAT) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of an AATF program utilizing domestic ducks on individuals with TBI.
- To explore participant perceptions of an AATF-based therapeutic intervention for TBI.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week AATF program was implemented.
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention to gather participant experiences.
- A qualitative descriptive approach with atheoretical thematic analysis was used.
Main Results:
- Four primary themes emerged: Emotional Wellbeing, Attachment, Care, and Nature and Environment.
- These themes highlight participants' shared experiences and perceived benefits of AATF.
- The findings indicate positive impacts on TBI rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- AATF with domestic ducks is presented as an innovative therapeutic option for TBI.
- Meaningful animal connections significantly improve emotional well-being in TBI patients.
- This approach offers a promising avenue for enhancing TBI rehabilitation outcomes.
