This paper examines the origins and therapeutic applications of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) across a range of patient populations and healthcare environments. Beginning with the early Pet Therapy research of the 1960s, the paper traces how documented human-animal bonds produce measurable physiological, emotional, and behavioral benefits. It reviews evidence showing AAT's effectiveness with autistic children, psychiatric patients, cardiovascular patients, socially isolated adults, and the elderly. The paper draws on peer-reviewed studies to argue that close interaction with animals enhances well-being, promotes social integration, improves sleep quality, and may in some cases surpass traditional therapeutic approaches.
Animals and humans have had a long and multifaceted relationship over time. Many of us have visited petting zoos, regular zoos, and kept pets in our homes. People who have bonded with animals know firsthand how strong the connection between a person and an animal can be. It is only in the past several decades that formal research into the advantages of human-animal companionship has been conducted. This research began as recently as the 1960s, and in subsequent decades the field of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been established. A number of studies have since been conducted on the numerous physiological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral benefits that arise when humans and animals spend time together — both in the long term and the short term.
Animal-Assisted Therapy has been implemented in a variety of settings with many different kinds of patients. This paper is a brief exploration of the effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy across a range of health settings, for patients with varied conditions and at all stages of life.
There is a precedent for this subject in formal research across fields such as education and psychology. At first, this practice was called Pet Therapy, and it began in the United States.
Pet therapy had its origins in the United States in the early 1960s and is based on the hypothesis that the relationship between different species may have a therapeutic effect. After the early writings of child psychotherapist Levinson (1962), who shed light on the positive effects of a dog on an autistic child, the validity of pet therapy has been supported by various studies conducted in different settings — with depressed subjects, autistic children, psychiatric patients, and subjects with somatic disorders such as cardiovascular pathologies and communication disorders. (Colombo et al., p. 208)
Early on, it was clear to the first researchers and pioneers of this subject that strong relationships with pets improve emotions. Animals make people happy, and happiness has distinct biological and psychological manifestations in the body that can be observed and measured. Early Pet Therapy involved children — autistic ones, at a time when autism was still poorly understood — as well as children who suffered from sleep disorders and communication difficulties.
Animals help us feel better, and when we feel better, we have an easier time falling asleep and enjoy a higher quality of sleep. Sleep is key to recovery, whether for the common cold or for far more serious conditions. These early studies also provided pet therapy for patients suffering from psychiatric problems and cardiovascular disorders. Animals can help us become more physically active because they want to play with us and we want to play with them; play is critical to both psychological and physical improvement.
Animal-Assisted Therapy is not only useful for children or for psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders. It also has positive effects on adults in hospitals and mental health facilities who suffer from other emotional problems and social disorders — challenges that affect a great many people in the 21st century. Animals can help us learn how to be better friends, can help us make friends, and can help break down emotional defensive barriers so that we are able to be closer to others.
The current claims for success, where animals are used to assist in therapy, are mainly based on the ability of animals to fulfill such needs — and this is particularly important for individuals lacking support from family members or close friends. Companion animals somehow possess the ability to reconnect such people with the outside world, breaking down the barriers of isolation that make them resistant to conventional forms of treatment. The presence of an animal, particularly a dog, is able to act as an "ice-breaker": it catalyzes communication and enhances opportunities for social exchange and shared interests which, in turn, can promote a feeling of social integration. (Cirulli et al., p. 342)
"AAT breaking down social barriers in adults"
"Positive outcomes for elderly and all ages"
Colombo, G., Della Buono, M., Smaia, K., Raviola, R., & De Leo, D. (2006). Pet therapy and institutionalized elderly: A study on 144 cognitively unimpaired subjects. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 42, 207–216.
Holen, R. (2012). The effects of animal interaction on happiness. Undergraduate Journal of Psychology, 7, 5–8.
You’re 72% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.