Human-Animal Interaction

Abstract

There is growing and widespread use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) techniques among cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute recognizes a myriad of CAM techniques that may be used. Research demonstrates that cancer patients use these techniques to try to regain control of their disease process and treatment and to facilitate quality of life. The purpose of this article is to discuss the uses of CAM among cancer patients and to present findings of a pilot study in which cancer patients being treated in an inpatient hospital unit were randomly assigned to receive either a brief visit from a trained visitor dog and its handler, a visit from a friendly human visitor, or a session of quiet reading. Findings revealed that those who received the dog visit were more likely to view the visit as part of their therapy and were more likely to tell another person about the visit.

Staff Members' Perceptions of an Animal-Assisted Activity

“…Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Johnson, Meadows, Haubner, and Sevedge (2003) found that animal-assisted interventions met the National Müschel (1984), AAAs provided comfort and alleviated fears in older adult patients with terminal cancer.…”

Human‐Animal Bonds I: The Relational Significance of Companion Animals

“…A number of studies demonstrate the positive impact of pets on coping with chronic conditions and on the course and treatment of illness such as heart disease, dementia, and cancer (Friedmann & Tsai, 2006; Johnson, Meadows, Haubner, & Sevedge, 2005). Companion animals have been found to facilitate the recovery of hospitalized children (Kaminsky, Pellino, & Wish, 2002) and ameliorate depression in AIDS patients (Siegel, Angulo, Detels, Wesch, & Mullen, 1999).…”

Natural healers: a review of animal assisted therapy and activities as complementary treatment for chronic conditions

“…Adults with various medical conditions have also been reported to benefit from working with therapy animals socially, emotionally and psychologically (25)(26)(27)(28)(29) . For example, after examining the use of AAT among cancer patients, it was revealed that, while participants reported that the AAT sessions helped to relieve their anxiety and were good distraction from the hospital environment, these results were not found statistically significant when compared to reading sessions and human visits (27) .…”

“…For example, after examining the use of AAT among cancer patients, it was revealed that, while participants reported that the AAT sessions helped to relieve their anxiety and were good distraction from the hospital environment, these results were not found statistically significant when compared to reading sessions and human visits (27) .…”