Pinnipeds and PTSD: An Analysis of a Human-Animal Interaction Case Study Program for a Veteran

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a pinniped (grey and harbor seals) facilitated human-animal interaction pilot program on the self-reported PTSD-like symptoms of a veteran. This study analyzed preexisting, deidentified data that represented the participant's scores on the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). The PCL-5 was completed as part of a pilot program operated in partnership between the Veteran and Military Affiliated Research Center (VMARC) and a local aquarium. Scores on the PCL-5 were collected prior to (T1), midway (T2), and immediately after (T3) completion of the Project Seal to Heal program. Changes in the scores of each item were reported for the participant, for aggregated items that represented different clusters of PTSD symptoms, and for overall scores. Results revealed decreased scores in 11 of the 20 PTSD symptom-related items, improvement in the sum scores for each criteria symptom cluster, and a 15-point decrease in the overall PCL-5 score, indicating clinical significance. These results serve as a call to motivate future research investigating pinniped interactions with veterans who have PTSD in order to determine therapeutic clinical application and outcomes.

Occupational therapy for military personnel and military veterans experiencing post‐traumatic stress disorder: A scoping review

“…Eight research papers detail the efficacy of interventions (Bracciano et al., 2012; Classen, Cormack, et al, 2014; Classen, Monahan, Canonizado, & Winter, 2014; Krpalek, Achondo, Daher, & Javaherian, 2020; McLaughlin & Hamilton, 2019; Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers, 2014; Speicher, Walter, & Chard, 2014; Wortman et al., 2018) and two report on occupational performance issues related to military veterans (Dutra, Eakman, & Schelly, 2016; Gregg, Kitzman, & Shordike, 2016). One research paper reported intervention efficacy for military personnel (Beck et al., 2012).…”

“…In two animal‐assisted therapy (AAT) studies, investigators reported improvements in human physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning for military veterans (McLaughlin & Hamilton, 2019; Wortman et al., 2018). Wortman et al.…”

“…Wortman et al. (2018) reported findings from a single veteran who completed a pinniped (grey and harbour seals) human–animal interaction programme: The Project Seal to Heal. The project aimed to reduce PTSD symptoms and increase quality of life utilising AAT to engage in activities such as husbandry tasks and pinniped educational sessions.…”

“…For military veterans, there is an increasing evidence base for occupational therapy and interventions. Authors Classen, Cormack, et al (2014), Classen, Monahan, et al (2014), Krpalek et al., (2020), McLaughlin and Hamilton, (2019), Rogers et al., (2014), Speicher et al., (2014), and Wortman et al., (2018) presented empirical outcome data examining the efficacy of occupation‐based therapy. However, just one research group reviewed (Krpalek et al., 2020) conducted a two‐group randomised design study.…”

Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…208 fulltext studies were assessed for eligibility. We finally included 41 studies (Balluerka, Muela, Amiano, & Caldentey, 2015Beck et al, 2012;Bergen-Cico et al, 2018;Burton, Qeadan, & Burge, 2019;Craven, 2013;Dietz, Davis, & Pennings, 2012;Earles, Vernon, & Yetz, 2015;Faye, 2003;Gehrke, Noquez, Ranke, & Myers, 2018;Gómez, 2016;Hamama et al, 2011;Johnson et al, 2018;Kemp, Signal, Botros, Taylor Whittlesey-Jerome, 2014; Woodward, Jamison, Gala, & Holmes, 2017;Woodwart, Jamison, Gala, & Arsenault, 2017;Woolley, 2004;Wortman et al, 2018;Yarborough et al, 2017;Yorke et al, 2013) (see Figure 1) that were published in 46 reports with 1111 analysed participants. The meta-analysis included eight controlled studies with 469 participants.…”