Acceptability of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Attitudes toward AAT, Psychotherapy, and Medication for the Treatment of Child Disruptive Behavioral Problems

Abstract

Animal-assisted therapies (AATs) are not widely promoted in routine mental healthcare but represent a viable treatment option given positive perceptions of pets and growing evidence that animals provide meaningful contribution to psychological wellbeing. Relatively little is known about the general public's attitude toward AATs, especially in relation to more commonly used alternatives. This study compared the acceptability of four different treatment options (AAT, medication, psychotherapy, and no active treatment) for common externalizing behaviors in children. Parents from a community sample (N = 189) were presented with vignettes describing a child with symptoms of an externalizing behavior disorder and were asked to rate the acceptability of the four different treatment options. Participants rated AAT as a highly acceptable form of treatment and more acceptable than no active treatment and medication. However, AAT was rated as less acceptable than psychotherapy. Experiences with animals (both positive and negative) were unrelated to the acceptability of AAT. These findings suggest that AAT is viewed as a highly acceptable form of treatment for common externalizing behaviors and should be more systematically investigated as a treatment for children's mental health problems.

Methodological Standards and Strategies for Establishing the Evidence Base of Animal-Assisted Therapies

“…AAT research is needed that matches the current methodological standards in place for outcome studies. AATs are not mere additions to a list; rather they are likely to provide several unique contributions in terms of their reach and acceptability beyond traditional "mental health" interventions (Rabbitt, Kazdin, & Hong, 2014). AATs might be "treatment" but may be less shackled by stigma, reservations, and concerns often associated with seeking mental health services.…”

Animal Visitation Programs in Colleges and Universities

“…Lazarus and Folkman (1984), Schneider and Harley (2006), Thoits (1986), Wells and Perrine (2001) Opportunities for reinforcement AVPs may serve as pleasurable activities, providing participants with convenient opportunities to experience reward and positive emotions. Greenberg, Constantino, and Bruce (2006), Rabbitt et al (2014) existing literature on AVPs supports the appeal and credibility of these programs, underscoring their value for dissemination. Folse et al (1994), Hatfield and Cacioppo (1994) Social facilitation AVPs may encourage participants to interact with other people, providing new opportunities for human social support and interaction.…”

“…Third, AVPs are appealing and may actively dispel the stigma associated with traditional therapies (Adamle, Riley, & Carlson, 2009). In our observation, it takes little explanation or persuasion to entice participants to engage in AVPs, and participants rate treatments involving animals as acceptable methods of treatment (Rabbitt, Kazdin, & Hong, 2014). Finally, participants expect that AVPs will benefit them.…”

Recruiting Psychosocial Health Effects of Animals for Families and Communities

“…Caregivers of vulnerable people, whether family members or employed staff, experience challenges, and AAT is a form of treatment highly accepted by the general public (Rabbitt, Kazdin, & Hong, 2014). Mothers of children with behavioral challenges or disabilities have high levels of distress and depressive symptoms (Estes et al, 2009); perceived social support was more related to the mother's well-being than the severity of the children's disabilities (Manuel, Naughton, Balkrishnan, Smith, & Koman, 2003;Skok, Harvey, & Reddihough, 2006).…”