An Animal-Assisted Education Intervention with Dogs to Promote Emotion Comprehension in Primary School Children—The Federico II Model of Healthcare Zooanthropology

Abstract

Emotion comprehension (EC) is a crucial competence for children, as it determines the quality of peer interactions. This study assessed the efficacy of an animal-assisted education (AAE) intervention with dogs based on the Federico II Model of Healthcare Zooanthropology (FMHZ) to promote EC in a group of primary school children. One hundred and four children (48 females) aged 6–7 years took part in the study, of whom 63 participated in the AAE intervention (i.e., experimental group) and 41 did not (i.e., control group). The intervention was deployed in a school setting through a group format and consisted of five bimonthly sessions. EC was assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Student’s t-test and mixed-model ANOVA were performed to analyze the effect of the intervention on EC. EC significantly improved in children of the experimental group compared to the control group. Significant time effects from pre- to post-intervention, post-intervention to follow-up, and pre-intervention to follow-up assessment were found in the experimental group only. AAE based on FMHZ was effective in improving EC in children.

La mentalisation comme base théorique de l’intervention assistée par l’animal chez les jeunes témoins ou victimes d’actes criminels

“…notamment due à des échantillons trop petits, des mesures peu fiables, et un manque de groupes contrôles (O'Haire et al, 2015). Dans une recension des écrits sur les bénéfices de l'IAA pour la santé mentale des adolescents (Kruger et al, 2004) (Carlsson et al, 2015;Dietz et al, 2012;Scandurra et al, 2021;Stetina et al, 2011). La rétroaction du comportement de la part d'un animal est un outil avantageux pour la mentalisation chez les enfants (Kruger et al, 2004).…”

“…La rétroaction du comportement de la part d'un animal est un outil avantageux pour la mentalisation chez les enfants (Kruger et al, 2004). Ainsi, le but du présent article émotions (Scandurra et al, 2021).…”