Animal-assisted Psychotherapy and Trauma: A Meta-analysis

Germain, Sarah M.; Wilkie, Karlene D.; Milbourne, Virginia M. K.; Theule, Jennifer

doi:10.1080/08927936.2018.1434044

Cited by 36 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The Q test measured the presence of heterogeneity among studies and was computed as the weighted sum of squared differences between each study effects and the pooled effect across studies (Cochran, 1954). In other words, the Q statistic gives information about whether included studies have unaccounted variance, and if specific characteristics are moderating the effect in addition to the assumption of random error (Germain et al, 2018).…”

Section: Heterogeneity or Between-study Variationmentioning

confidence: 99%

We Don’t Train in Vain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Canine Caregiver Training

Pfaller-Sadovsky

Medina

Dillenburger

et al. 2019

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

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A meta-analytic review was conducted to assess the current knowledge regarding caregiver training effectiveness for human-human and human-canine dyads. The results showed that most canine-related sources (66%; n=19) were case studies reporting a decrease of learner undesired behavior when using oral instruction/advice (21%; n=6). Most of the human-related research used singlecase designs (57%; n=26) reporting an increase in desired learner behavior (22%; n=10) when caregivers received multi-component training packages, including two or more approaches (17%, n=8). The meta-analysis of betweengroup-design studies (n=18) revealed that interventions had a large effect (Hedges' g=0.88, 95%CI [0.68-1.07]), with packages yielding a slightly larger moderate effect (Hedges' g=0.76, 95%CI [0.60-0.91]) than oral instruction/advice alone (Hedges' g=0.74, 95%CI [0.32-1,15]). Although the shown effectiveness of caregiver training is promising, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Due to the preponderance of case studies within caninerelated literature and the insufficient reporting of data across sources, only few studies could be included in the meta-analysis. Overall, more systematic and comparative research regarding the efficacy of caregivers in behavior change programs across species is needed. 174 words Keywords: systematic-review; human-dog relationship; caregiver-training; interventions qualitative nature. They often describe in great detail the assessment and/or treatment of one or more participants by integrating all information about the case into a unified and related idea or set of ideas (Sturmey, 2009; Virues-Ortega & Moreno-Rodriguez, 2008). Further, their interest is frequently related to reporting new findings that lack replication with group designs, hence, informing about new methods, novel applications of established techniques or unpredicted effects of assessments or treatments (Virues-Ortega & Moreno-Rodriguez, 2008). By contrast, SCDs are special adaptations of interrupted time-series designs and provide a strong basis for establishing causal, or functional, inference by (a) operationally defining the dependent variable; (b) conducting baseline measurements; and (c) replicating experimental conditions (e.g., A-B-A-B) with each subject (

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Section: Heterogeneity or Between-study Variationmentioning

confidence: 99%

We Don’t Train in Vain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Canine Caregiver Training

Pfaller-Sadovsky

Medina

Dillenburger

et al. 2019

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

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“…This adds to the difficulties assessing the impact of canine-assisted interventions. Similarly, whilst there have been reviews of the impact of AAI’s on children and young people [15, 20, 22, 24, 25], most reviews have examined AAIs across the lifespan [10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 26, 27]. We could find no reviews focused on the distinct developmental period of adolescence (10–19 years) [28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Incorporating animal-assisted therapy in mental health treatments for adolescents: A systematic review of canine assisted psychotherapy

2019

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IntroductionAs interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasing need to differentiate informal activities from formal and professionally directed therapies, including mental health focussed Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP). There have been no reviews focusing exclusively on CAP and the distinct developmental period of adolescence. The aims of this study were to identify the characteristics of CAP interventions, their impacts and their acceptability, tolerability and feasibility for adolescents with mental health disorders.MethodA systematic review identified studies incorporating canines into mental health treatments for adolescents aged 10–19 years. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative psychological or psychosocial outcomes were included.ResultsSeven studies were scrutinised. Intervention characteristics varied, including a range of formats, settings, locations, doses, and facilitators. Information on the role of the canines in sessions was sparse. CAP had a positive impact on primary diagnoses and symptomatology, conferring additional benefits to standard treatments for internalising disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and equivalent effects for anxiety, anger and externalising disorders. CAP was associated with positive impacts on secondary factors including increased engagement and socialisation behaviours, and reductions in disruptive behaviours within treatment sessions. Global functioning also improved. There was insufficient evidence that CAP improved factors associated with self-esteem, subjective wellbeing, or coping. Good attendance and retention rates indicated high levels of acceptability. Moderate to high tolerability was also indicated. Feasibility may be limited by additional training and logistical requirements.RecommendationsWe recommend the development of theoretically informed, standardised (manualised) intervention protocols that may subsequently form the basis of efficacy and effectiveness testing. Such protocols should clearly describe canine-participant-facilitator interactions via a formalised nomenclature; spontaneous (animal-led), adjunctive (facilitator-led), and experiential (participant-led).ConclusionsThere is emerging evidence to suggest that CAP improves the efficacy of mental health treatments in self-selected adolescent populations via reductions in primary symptomatology, and via secondary factors that improve therapeutic processes and quality, such as engagement and retention.

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“…For instance, inmates who participated in dog-bases AAI needed less medication, were less violent to others, were less depressed, improved their social behaviors, and had fewer infractions at the same time that their self-esteem was increased and their stress levels were decreased [ 39 ]. In addition, since high dropout to behavioral intervention could be expected in this population, the inclusion of animals can increase adherence and motivation [ 40 ], which could be a key factor to consider, explaining the effectivity of AAI.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review

Villafaina-Domínguez¹,

Collado-Mateo

Merellano-Navarro

et al. 2020

Animals

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Background: Animal-assisted interventions, in concrete dog-assisted intervention, have been introduced in prisons to reduce recidivism as well as to improve the well-being of prisoners. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in prison population. Methods: An electronic search of the literature was performed, and 20 articles were included. The PRISMA guideline methodology was employed. Results: Included studies involved a total of 1577 participants. The vast majority of protocols included activities related with dog training, dog caring, or activities, which included vocational or educational components. Duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. Statistically significant improvements in prisoners were observed in 13 studies. Conclusions: Dog-based animal-assisted therapy may improve anxiety, stress, recidivism, and other social variables in male or female inmates.

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Animal-assisted Psychotherapy and Trauma: A Meta-analysis

Cited by 36 publications

References 34 publications

We Don’t Train in Vain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Canine Caregiver Training

We Don’t Train in Vain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Canine Caregiver Training

Incorporating animal-assisted therapy in mental health treatments for adolescents: A systematic review of canine assisted psychotherapy

Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review

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