Psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the potential health benefits of human-dog interactions: A systematic literature review

Teo, Jillian Terese; Johnstone, Stuart J.; Römer, Stephanie S.; Thomas, Susan J.

doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.07.007

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 170 publications

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“…Klienbub et al [37] reported the value of physiological synchronization within the therapeutic setting as this allowed for a positive therapeutic relationship between the therapist and patient during the therapeutic process, encouraging feelings of attachment and empathy. This physiological synchronization has also been observed between patients and canines during therapy sessions, with patients reporting an attachment to the canine that encouraged engagement and participation within the therapeutic process [38]. Feelings of connectedness during the therapeutic invention were reported as being critical during the COVID-19 pandemic as feelings of isolation were prevalent due to social distancing guidelines [39].…”

Section: Mental Health and Equine Interactionmentioning

confidence: 84%

The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder

Holtcamp,

Nicodemus,

Phillips

et al. 2024

COVID

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While psychotherapy incorporating equine interaction (PIE) has proven to be a viable therapeutic intervention, it is not a common mental health service found on college campuses. Nevertheless, with the rise of mental health challenges on campuses after the COVID-19 pandemic, a need for effective therapeutic solutions is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a collegiate recovery community (CRC) PIE program for substance abuse disorder (SUD) compared to that of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and to determine whether physiological synchronization occurs between the human and horse during the therapy process. College-aged adults were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic for two types of short-term SUD therapeutic interventions, CRC-PIE and CBT. Both groups completed a self-reporting survey assessing emotional safety. Vital signs measurements for human and horse participants within the CRC-PIE were collected prior to and after the first and last therapeutic sessions. Results concluded that although emotional safety did not improve significantly for PIE participants by the last therapy session (p = 0.85), emotional safety scores were significantly different between therapy types, with lower post-therapy scores for PIE (p = 0.04). As for physiological measures for PIE participants, respiratory rates (Human: p = 0.01; Horse: p = 0.01) and pain rating scores (Human: p = 0.03; Horse: p = 0.01) significantly decreased post-therapy and a strong positive correlation (R = 0.73, R2 = 0.53) associated with vital signs was observed between humans and horses. This human–horse physiological synchronization during the therapeutic intervention suggests that the horse may be a viable tool within campus CRC programs for the development of therapeutic alliances within the therapy process.

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Section: Mental Health and Equine Interactionmentioning

confidence: 84%

The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder

Holtcamp,

Nicodemus,

Phillips

et al. 2024

COVID

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“…Studies on human–animal interaction effects by activity type are scarce. A recent systematic literature review based on data from 129 studies on human–animal interactions reported that further in-depth studies are required to identify the benefits of activity types [ 11 ]. Additionally, research on brain activity mechanisms that correlate to human–animal interaction effects is incipient and insufficient.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study

Yoo,

Wu,

Han

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Animal-assisted interventions are being increasingly used in studies that support various health effects. This study compared the psychophysiological and emotional responses during diverse activities with a dog to understand the impact of activity type. This study included 30 healthy adults (average age: 27.9 ± 8.4 years). Participants performed eight different activities with a dog for 3 minutes each. These activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking. Brain waves in the prefrontal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes were measured during the activities. Subjective evaluation of their emotions was recorded after each activity via the Profile of Mood States, Semantic Differential Method, and Stress Numeric Rating Scale. The alpha (relative, relative slow, relative fast) power spectra indicated that the brain’s relaxation and resting state significantly increased when playing with and walking a dog. The beta (relative, relative low, and relative mid) power spectra significantly increased during dog massage, grooming, and playing activities, indicating improved concentration without stress. Notably, playing with a dog positively affected both relaxation and concentration. The Profile of Mood States outcome showed that activities such as feeding, massaging, and hugging the dog decreased the total mood disorder score, which indicated a positive effect on participants’ moods. The Semantic Differential Method revealed that participants felt comfortable and natural while walking with a dog and relaxed when massaging it. Participants showed significantly lower stress moods in all the activities. This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity. In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses. These results provide data that forms the basis for the composition of the AAI program and may be applicable as a reference to determine the most effective activities for specific applications.

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“…These interactions contribute significantly to the physical and mental well-being of their owners. Research has consistently shown that petting a dog or a cat can lower stress levels and blood pressure, promoting relaxation and overall well-being [11]. Moreover, dogs and cats play a crucial role in enhancing public health and population well-being by fostering social interactions and strengthening bonds between individuals, as well as between animals and people [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment and Validation of the Pet-Owner Relationship Scale for Brazil

Lopes,

Lima

et al. 2024

Preprint

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This study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of the development of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method encompassed several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Processes included translations, synthesis of translations, back-translations, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. The study involved surveying 342 pet owners throughout Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analyses utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. The techniques confirmed that the scale preserved its psychometric properties and showed no variance between dog and cat owners, indicating that the measured constructs are universal and unaffected by specific cultural nuances. Hence, the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the scale facilitate applying and testing concepts and measures in diverse contexts, enriching our understanding of the dynamics between owners and their pets (dogs and cats) in different living situations. In addition, this research holds particular significance in Brazil, given the country’s vast cultural diversity.

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Psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the potential health benefits of human-dog interactions: A systematic literature review

Cited by 13 publications

References 170 publications

The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder

The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder

Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study

Assessment and Validation of the Pet-Owner Relationship Scale for Brazil

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