Animal-assisted pedagogy:human-animal bond, developmental benefits and practical considerations

Abstract. In recent years, animal-assisted pedagogy (AAP) has gained more attention both in the media and in the educational field. Some schools and libraries have seemed to include animals as a common support in the learning process. This has sparked interest also in educational research, and thus the effects of animals as a part of education have been studied more closely. For this reason, we aim to provide insight to AAP with a literature review that explores this topic from the points of view of human-animal bond, the developmental benefits, and the practical considerations related to it. In addition, we aspire to challenge our own views of AAP and discuss how it might be brought into practice. Based on our research, the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship that takes place between a human and an animal. Its significance in society and the multitude of benefits it offers, provide a good foundation from which to view AAP. Implementing AAP positively affects the social and emotional competences and motivation of students by the support of the comfort of the animal’s presence, which enables positive experiences and interactions. The animals help to create a safe space that allows the students to feel more confident and secure, and as a result the motivation of learning increases. However, it appears that applying AAP to practice is quite challenging due to the amount of limitations and consideration of bringing an animal into a working environment. For example, allergies, fears and lack of resources may dictate whether it is possible for an educator to practice AAP

Population-level risks of alcohol consumption by amount, geography, age, sex, and year: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020

Background: The health risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption continue to be debated. Small amounts of alcohol might lower the risk of some health outcomes but increase the risk of others, suggesting that the overall risk depends, in part, on background disease rates, which vary by region, age, sex, and year. Methods: For this analysis, we constructed burden-weighted dose–response relative risk curves across 22 health outcomes to estimate the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL) and non-drinker equivalence (NDE), the consumption level at which the health risk is equivalent to that of a non-drinker, using disease rates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020 for 21 regions, including 204 countries and territories, by 5-year age group, sex, and year for individuals aged 15–95 years and older from 1990 to 2020. Based on the NDE, we quantified the population consuming harmful amounts of alcohol. Findings: The burden-weighted relative risk curves for alcohol use varied by region and age. Among individuals aged 15–39 years in 2020, the TMREL varied between 0 (95% uncertainty interval 0–0) and 0·603 (0·400–1·00) standard drinks per day, and the NDE varied between 0·002 (0–0) and 1·75 (0·698–4·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals aged 40 years and older, the burden-weighted relative risk curve was J-shaped for all regions, with a 2020 TMREL that ranged from 0·114 (0–0·403) to 1·87 (0·500–3·30) standard drinks per day and an NDE that ranged between 0·193 (0–0·900) and 6·94 (3·40–8·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals consuming harmful amounts of alcohol in 2020, 59·1% (54·3–65·4) were aged 15–39 years and 76·9% (73·0–81·3) were male. Interpretation: There is strong evidence to support recommendations on alcohol consumption varying by age and location. Stronger interventions, particularly those tailored towards younger individuals, are needed to reduce the substantial global health loss attributable to alcohol. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation