Do Animal-Assisted Activities Effectively Treat Depression? A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for reducing depressive symptoms in humans. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to demonstrate random assignment, include a comparison/control group, use AAA or AAT, use a self-report measure of depression, and report sufficient information to calculate effect sizes, a statistical standardization of the strength of a treatment effect. Five studies were identified for analysis. The aggregate effect size for these studies was of medium magnitude and statistically significant, indicating that AAA/AAT are associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This analysis revealed gaps in the research on AAA/AAT, which we attempted to identify in order to better understand the factors that make AAA and AAT effective at reducing depression.

The feasibility of brief dog-assisted therapy on university students stress levels: the PAwS study

“…Despite these findings, physiological outcome measures are relatively overlooked in existing literature methodology: of 169 papers reviewed in a meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for patients with depression, only nine utilised physiological measures (Souter & Miller, 2007). Indeed, limitations and problems with studies in this field are not uncommon.…”

“…Observations of lowered blood pressure are thought to be indicative of a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, which can be subsequently linked to calming experiences (Ganong, 1995;Odendaal & Meintjes, 2003). Supporting this, high blood pressure is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to heightened sympathetic activity (Souter & Miller, 2007) and elevated blood pressure, at least in the short-term, can be caused by stress (Dickinson et al, 2008). Interestingly, physiological benefits have been found to occur regardless of Pet Attitude Scale scores suggesting biological effects (i.e.…”

Mental health rehabilitation in a care farm context: A descriptive review of Norwegian intervention studies

“…The four intervention studies described above had a particular focus on either animal-assisted or therapeutic horticulture interventions, since previous research indicates the mental health benefits of these kind of interventions [56][57][58]. Even though nature experiences and activity connected to animals and/or horticulture are important at care farms, the studies do not examine all components of the care farm context, as care farming programs in Norway are complex in nature.…”

The Development of an Enhanced Extension Agent Training to Create Butterfly Gardens in Louisiana

“…Likewise, use of animals has occurred in many ways, across a variety of settings and for a range of purposes, including in prevention and healing of diseases (All et al 1999). Animals have also been used as co-therapists when working with clients both individually and in a group setting, such as in psychotherapy and private counselling sessions, residential and psychiatric treatment centres, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, acute and critical care units and prisons (Souter and Miller 2007).…”