A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II): Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks

Abstract

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can improve patients’ quality of life as complementary medical treatments. Part I of this 2-paper systematic review focused on the methods and results of cancer-related AAIs; Part II discusses the theories of the field’s investigators. Researchers cite animal personality, physical touch, physical movement, distraction, and increased human interaction as sources of observed positive outcomes. These mechanisms then group under theoretical frameworks such as the social support hypothesis or the human-animal bond concept to fully explain AAI in oncology. The cognitive activation theory of stress, the science of unitary human beings, and the self-object hypothesis are additional frameworks mentioned by some researchers. We also discuss concepts of neurobiological transduction connecting mechanisms to AAI benefits. Future researchers should base study design on theories with testable hypotheses and use consistent terminology to report results. This review aids progress toward a unified theoretical framework and toward more holistic cancer treatments.

A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part I): Methods and Results

“…The second part of this 2-paper systematic literature review focuses on the mechanisms and theoretical frameworks proposed by researchers in oncological AAI. 19 The detailed discussion herein seeks to be a guide for researchers investigating the topic of AAI in oncology and animal therapies more broadly. In time, AAIs will be a well-validated complementary treatment, with greater understanding of the impact on patient health and well-being.…”

“…In general, the second article focuses on the proposed mechanisms and theoretical frameworks underlying AAI study design. 19…”

Pets in Palliative Care

“…The advantages provided by the presence of an animal in an AAI are mental, physiological, social, and neurological, and probably modulated by a common neurological pathway that involves emotion, memory, reward, and affiliation. That is connected to the production of oxytocin in both the animal and the person [17]. Researchers are looking for the common factors that should be investigated to try to reach conclusions in a standardized and repeatable way.…”

Clinical Psychology during COVID-19: Experiences from Six Frontline Hospitals in Mexico

“…In one of the hospitals, staff managed stress and anxiety through contact �ith a trained dog named "One-Eyed Harley" (a practice which followed strict biosecurity measures) within the COVID-19 wards. The successful use of 'hospital-based animal therapy' as an option to support the mental health of the hospitalized population is well documented in the literature (Chubak et al, 2017;Holder et al, 2020), but while this intervention is widely accepted by health personnel, more data is needed to reinforce recommendation of the practice. Table 1 describes assessments, psychological interventions, and primary barriers inside COVID-19 hospitals.…”