Toward Empirical Thinking and Creative Inquiry

Beyond Cuddling Canines: Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Importance of Touch in an On-Campus Canine-Assisted Intervention

“…That is, we know that spending time with therapy dogs is effective in reducing stress but we do not fully understand how participation in these sessions is experienced by students themselves. It has been argued that qualitative research methods are considered valuable, yet underutilized, within the field of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) research (Fournier, 2019; Kazdin, 2017). HAI research could “gain tremendously by more qualitative evaluation of the experience of therapy involving an animal, that is, precisely how participants (children, parents, other adults, therapists, and handlers) experience the interaction” (Kazdin, 2017, p. 156).…”

“…Although the aforementioned studies have begun to address the need for qualitative research in the field of HAIs, the mechanisms of a CAI that foster well-being outcomes still warrants additional investigation. This is argued by Fournier (2019; p. vii) who asserts: “There is very little study of just how animals and humans interact and which interactions with or features of the animal are therapeutic.” This call for a deeper investigation of the mechanisms within interactions is echoed by Crossman (2017) who called for research examining the role of tactile stimulation (i.e., “contact comfort”) and the well-being this elicits within the context of HAIs. Exploring the role of touch between visitors to CAIs and therapy dogs holds potential to inform the planning, organization, and implementation of interventions whose aim is to foster human well-being.…”

Australian Community and Health Professionals Perceptions of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

“…The development and advancement of contemporary society has been greatly influenced by the human-animal connection. Animals fulfil various roles in human lives such as companions, physical supports, coworkers, confidants, and cotherapists, as well as sources of food and clothing materials [ 20 ]. The field of human-animal interactions (HAIs) is progressively evolving to recognize the adept capabilities of animals to benefit mankind beyond their tradition role of beasts of burden.…”

“…Animals that often facilitate therapy include horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and birds. Importantly, each species possesses various characteristics, which when enhanced by targeted training offers a diverse range of assistance within the therapy setting [ 20 ]. Horses (equines) are an increasingly popular animal choice within therapy, as therapists become more aware of the extensive therapeutic enabling capabilities of the horse [ 22 ].…”