The Effect of a Real Dog, Toy Dog and Friendly Person on Insecurely Attached Children During a Stressful Task: An Exploratory Study

Research in the use of animals as a treatment for humans

“…Another aspect of this first category is the calming effects of being together with animals and the ability of animals to catalyze contact to other persons e.g., a therapist, or act as a transitional object in a therapy situation (Corson and Corson, 1980). This category of theories is supported to some extend by scientific studies showing physiological effects of physical contact to animals (Beetz et al, 2011;Handlin et al, 2011). Other studies find that the presence of an animal positively affects the perception of the treatment or therapist (Nagengast et al, 1997;Schneider and Harley, 2006).…”

Enhancing Special Education Environments with Animal-Assisted Interventions at Green Chimneys

“…Among those well-documented effects of HAI that have potential relevance for special education settings are: l Improvement of mood by reduction of depressive moods and promotion of positive affect (e.g., Banks & Banks, 2005;Kaminski, Pellino, & Wish, 2002;Nathans-Barel, Feldman, Berger, Modai, & Silver, 2005;Prothmann, Bienert, & Ettrich, 2006;Souter & Miller, 2007); l Promotion of positive social interactions (Gueguen & Cicotti, 2008;Hart, Hart, & Bergin, 1987;Hergovich, Monshi, Semmler, & Zieglmayer, 2002;Kotrschal & Ortbauer, 2003;Martin & Farnum, 2002;Prothmann, Ettrich, & Prothmann, 2009;Schneider & Harley, 2006;Wells, 2004); l Reduction of anxiety and stress reactions (psychological but also physiological such as heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels) and promotion of trust and calmness, particularly in stress-and anxiety-inducing situations (e.g., Allen, Blascovich, Tomaka, & Kelsey, 1991;Allen, Blascovich, & Mendes, 2002;Barker, Pandurangi, & Best, 2003;Beetz, Julius, Turner, & Kotrschal, 2012;Beetz et al, 2011;Schneider & Harley, 2006;Shiloh, Sorek, & Terkel, 2003); l Improved concentration and motivation (Gee, Church, & Altobelli, 2010;Gee, Crist, & Carr, 2010;Gee, Harris, & Johnson, 2007;Gee, Sherlock, Bennett, & Harris, 2009;Hediger & Turner, 2014;Wohlfarth, Mutschler, Beetz, Kreuser, & KorstenReck, 2013).…”

“…Overall, the ability of insecurely attached persons to profit from social support with regard to their stress regulation is impaired. However, contact with animals still holds the potential to provide effective support, also via physical contact, in socially stressful situations Beetz et al, 2011). For example, in an experiment, male children with insecure attachment were asked to participate in a task that is designed to induce social stress in children.…”

Die effek van 'n troeteldier-ondersteunde leesprogram op woordherkenningsvaardighede van graad 3-kinders

“…Beetz et al (2011) het bevind dat kinders in 'n spanningsvolle situasie, soos om hardop te lees, meer baat sal vind by interaksie met 'n vriendelike hond as met 'n vriendelike persoon of 'n sagte speelding. Terwyl hulle gelees het, het die kinders in die Leeshondgroep deurentyd aan die honde gevat en hulle gestreel.…”