Abstract:Canine-assisted therapies are being used increasingly both by veterans and the civilian community for mental and emotional support. During the past decade, a growing body of scientific research has provided evidence that human–animal interactions can improve social competence and reduce physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects of stress and social isolation. One meta-analysis that evaluated 49 published studies of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), used mainly to target mental health concerns, conclude… Show more
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