5,845 research outputs found

    The Impact of Canine Companion Service Animal (CSA) Use on Social Behaviors Between Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Use CSA and Those Who Do Not

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    According to theory of the mind, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are unable to interpret the social cues of others, which results in anxiety and social behavior deficits . Individuals with ASD are currently using canine Companion Service Animals (CSAs) in order to practice developing attachment bonds ; however, no known quantitative studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CSA in improving social behaviors in ASD populations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the extent to which exposure to CSA impacts social skills and social interaction in children and adolescents with ASD as measured by the parent self-reports on the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), respectively. MANOVA results of a matched-paticipant, equivalent, posttest-only design ( n = 122) showed that CSA users had fewer deficits in social skills and social interaction. There were no differences in age, IQ, or comorbidity CSA scores for social interaction or social skills based on MANOVA analysis. Results suggest that attachment bonds between the CSA user and an associated CSA provide an opportunity to engage in social interactions despite social skill deficits. This study contributes to social change by increasing awareness of the impact of CSA on the daily social functioning of children and adolescents with ASD

    What is it about Coda and Will? Exploring the experiences of school social workers using canine-assisted therapy in their clinical practice with students.

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    This research project explores the experiences of school social workers partnering with trained, accredited facility dogs in an Ontario school board. A qualitative research methodology using an interpretative phenomenological analysis has been employed. Results reveal that organizational support is key to the successful integration of facility dogs in clinical social work practice within a school board. Environmental considerations allow for the establishment of therapeutic conditions that support positive interactions and interventions with a canine. Findings clarify three dimensions of canine-assisted therapy: connection, attunement and the handler-canine relationship. Connection is the ‘magic’ of canine-assisted therapy, the essence of an interaction between students, social workers and a facility dog. Attunement is the ‘magical ingredient’ that is a critical component of canine-assisted therapy and necessary for connections to develop and flourish. Finally, the handler-canine relationship is the ‘magician’ that facilitates a therapeutic interaction as it is through communications between a handler and their canine partner that canine-assisted therapy is facilitated. The presence of canine-assisted therapy in the schools contributes to enhanced feelings of community, brings together isolated and lonely students, and offers comfort and support when school communities are impacted by a traumatic event. Research findings also help to distinguish the work of a facility dog from traditional therapy and service dogs. Canine-assisted therapy is a unique, cost-effective way to support student mental health. This exploratory research will inform future therapy programs, practices and research

    What is it about Coda and Will? Exploring the experiences of school social workers using canine-assisted therapy in their clinical practice with students.

    Get PDF
    This research project explores the experiences of school social workers partnering with trained, accredited facility dogs in an Ontario school board. A qualitative research methodology using an interpretative phenomenological analysis has been employed. Results reveal that organizational support is key to the successful integration of facility dogs in clinical social work practice within a school board. Environmental considerations allow for the establishment of therapeutic conditions that support positive interactions and interventions with a canine. Findings clarify three dimensions of canine-assisted therapy: connection, attunement and the handler-canine relationship. Connection is the ‘magic’ of canine-assisted therapy, the essence of an interaction between students, social workers and a facility dog. Attunement is the ‘magical ingredient’ that is a critical component of canine-assisted therapy and necessary for connections to develop and flourish. Finally, the handler-canine relationship is the ‘magician’ that facilitates a therapeutic interaction as it is through communications between a handler and their canine partner that canine-assisted therapy is facilitated. The presence of canine-assisted therapy in the schools contributes to enhanced feelings of community, brings together isolated and lonely students, and offers comfort and support when school communities are impacted by a traumatic event. Research findings also help to distinguish the work of a facility dog from traditional therapy and service dogs. Canine-assisted therapy is a unique, cost-effective way to support student mental health. This exploratory research will inform future therapy programs, practices and research

    Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Mechanisms of Animal-Assisted Interventions: How Important is the Animal?

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    There is an ever-increasing interest in animal-assisted interventions, and while its effects seem promising, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. The literature on animal-assisted interventions generally assumes that the animal itself is responsible for the effects of the interventions. However, evidence from placebo research suggests that a significant portion of treatment effects can be explained by contextual factors that are not specific to a treatment itself. Regarding animal-assisted interventions, this would suggest that the effects are not due to the animal but to contextual factors. In order to better understand the role of the animal and contextual factors in animal-assisted interventions, this thesis pursued two aims. First, it investigated to what extent the effects of animal-assisted interventions on pain can be attributed to the presence of an animal or to how the animal is embedded in the treatment rationale. Second, it identified the hypotheses previous studies have pursued regarding the underlying mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions and what factors have been considered as specific and nonspecific. Two different approaches were applied to address these two aims. For the first aim, we conducted two randomized controlled trials with healthy participants in a heat-pain placebo paradigm (Study I and Study II). For the second aim, a systematic review was conducted to assess factor hypotheses that researchers have presented in previous studies on animal-assisted interventions and to identify what specific and nonspecific factors have been considered in animal- assisted interventions (Study III). In the two experimental heat-pain studies, we did not find any analgesic effects in healthy participants compared to the control group when the dog was not part of the treatment rationale (Study I). Instead, participants experienced heat-pain to be more intense at the limit of their tolerance in the presence of the dog compared to the control group (i.e., self-reported pain intensity at the limit of pain tolerance, p = 0.041). When the dog was part of the treatment rationale (Study II), it did have a positive effect on pain perception in healthy participants compared to the control group (i.e., self-reported ratings of pain unpleasantness at the limit of pain tolerance, p = 0.010). The systematic review (Study III) found that a majority of studies did not define specific hypotheses regarding potential mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions. Further, most studies controlled for the animal or the interaction with the animal as specific factors. Based on the findings of this thesis, it is urgent to reconsider the explanatory model for the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions. More precisely, instead of only focusing on the animal in animal-assisted interventions, researchers and practitioners should start to include contextual factors in their explanatory models. A better understanding of the relevant factors in animal-assisted interventions might also reveal how important the animal is and whether these effects can be facilitated through other factors

    Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD: Taxonomy, Work Stress Reduction, and Matching

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    Research suggests that many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) struggle with reintegration (Sayer et al., 2010), but are unlikely to seek help or complete treatment (Schottenbauer et al., 2008). To make matters worse, available treatment options are often time consuming, challenging, and/or associated with negative side effects (Carafano & Hutchinson, 2017). Using animals as a treatment modality for veterans with PTSD is an emerging topic of interest and has shown promise (Owen, et al., 2016; Richie et al., 2016). However, several factors have hindered the advancement of this field. Obstacles include a lack of standard terminology and classification system, a need for empirical research to support the effectiveness of animal assisted interventions, and consideration of individual differences in response to animal assisted interventions. This investigation aims to fill these voids by proposing a novel taxonomy to promote research and development, describing an innovative investigation into whether the presence of a dog impacts veterans’ stress response to a task, and exploring whether the relationship between personality characteristics of service dogs and veterans impacts the success of the team. Results suggest that the demand for service dogs for veterans in the Unites States is growing and currently exceeds the supply. In addition, the inconsistent findings in the literature regarding therapeutic effects of assistance animals may be due to whether the team is compatible. This study found a potential correlation between veteran and service dog assertiveness and the benefits provided by the presence of the dog. Due to methodological concerns, results must be interpreted cautiously. More research in this area is needed, and future recommendations are provided

    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Animal–Assisted Therapy in an Educational Setting

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    Exploring the use of animal- assisted therapy with the use of canines in various school settings for students receiving special education services

    Animal-Assisted Interactions: Impacts for At-Risk Youth

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    Animal-assisted interactions (AAI) have shown increasing promise in reaching at-risk youth. Overview: This systematic review explores the biopsychosocial-spiritual impacts of AAI for at-risk youth through analyzing the existing body of empirical research in the field. Qualitative analysis of findings indicated three main themes identified as (1) the human animal connection, exploring the unique impacts of equine and canine partnership in treatment, (2) a new sense of self, describing internal benefits of AAI, and (3) social impacts or increased prosocial behavior in participants. Quality assessment ratings indicated need for additional research in the field; however, results indicate promising outcomes for at-risk clients

    Animal Assisted Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parent Perspectives

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    Background/aim: Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a promising intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but requires further research. This study aims to explore the parent perspective of the therapeutic impact of five AAT sessions on their children with ASD. Method: A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to access first-hand parent perspectives. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted and a thematic analysis was consensus coded using NVIVO. Findings: Seventeen parents participated in the study. Participants reported the presence of the dogs engendered engagement, enjoyment, and motivation within their children. This reportedly contributed to gains in communication, regulation, and community access. Conclusion: Findings indicate that parents support the use of AAT for children with ASD. Dogs as nonverbal and nonjudgmental therapy partners facilitated therapeutic gains

    Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy Across Pediatric Care Settings: A Systematic Review

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    With alternative therapies and complementary medicine becoming increasingly popular and supported by research, it is important for healthcare workers to be prepared to encounter and use these therapies in practice. A common problem in the pediatric healthcare setting is stress in patients and families during healthcare treatment. Animal assisted therapy (AAT), more commonly known as pet therapy, is a form of complementary alternative therapy that has been examined in this population. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effect of AAT on treatment outcomes in pediatric patients across clinical settings. The methods used to guide this systematic review include unbiased selection of twenty primary sources using the CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Medline databases. Evidence from research shows mixed, but generally positive, results about effect of AAT on anxiety levels, pain, behavior, and treatment outcomes. Therefore AAT may be a beneficial alternative therapy for this population
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