Sammanfattning Bakgrund: År 1961 upptäckte läkaren Boris Levinson att djur kunde hjälpa människor att knyta an till andra. Upptäckten kom att inspirera terapeuter till att använda djur inom de terapeutiska programmen. Tanken med att involvera djur sträcker sig dock tillbaka till 1800-talet och förespråkades av Florence Nightingale. Dock saknas en stor del forskning på området djurterapi som belyser patienter och vårdgivares upplevelser. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att beskriva patienters och vårdgivares upplevelser av djurterapi inom hälso- och sjukvården. Metod: En deskriptiv litteraturstudie vars resultat har baserats på 13 vetenskapliga artiklar. Majoriteten var kvalitativa artiklar (11 stycken), medan två övriga var av kvantitativ- eller mixad ansats. Huvudresultat: Djurterapi visade sig kunna ge upplevelser av minskad depression hos patienter och ett förbättrat välmående för både vårdgivare och patienter. Den sociala interaktionen mellan vårdgivare och patienter tycktes underlättas genom djurs närvaro. Vårdgivare upplevde både ökad och minskad stress samt bekymrade sig över att djuret kunde störa patienternas omvårdnad. Slutsats: Patienter och vårdgivare hade positiva upplevelser av djurterapi. Gemensamt var ett förbättrat välmående samt förbättrad social interaktion. Resultatet skulle kunna innebära att metoden kan användas inom flera olika områden inom hälso- och sjukvården. Utmaningar och negativa upplevelser har synliggjort att ett välfungerande samarbete på verksamheter inom hälso- och sjukvården behövs. Förväntningen blir då att utmaningarna kan åtgärdas och att metoden kan användas i en större uträckning. / Abstract Background: In 1961, the doctor Boris Levinson discovered that animals could help people connect with others. The discovery came to inspire therapists to use animals within the therapeutic programs. However, the idea of ​​involving animals extends back to the 19th century and was advocated by Florence Nightingale. However, a great deal of research is lacking in the field of animal therapy, which highlights patients' and caregivers' experiences. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patients and caregivers experiences of animal-assisted therapy in the context of healthcare settings. Methods: A descriptive literature study whose results were based on 13 scientific articles. The majority were qualitative articles (11), while two others were of quantitative or mixed approach. Main results: Animal-assisted therapy was found to provide experiences of reduced depression in patients and an improved well-being for both parties. The social interaction between caregivers and patients seemed to be facilitated by animal presence. Caregivers experienced both increased and reduced stress and worried that the animal could interfere with the patients care. Conclusion: Patients and caregivers had positive experiences of animal therapy. The common good was improved well-being and improved social interaction. The result could mean that the method can be used in several different areas of health care. Challenges and negative experiences have highlighted the need for a well-functioning collaboration on healthcare services. The expectation then becomes that the challenges can be remedied, and that the method can be used in a larger issue.

Existem diversos relatos anedóticos de casos de sucesso em terapia para crianças com autismo onde foi inserido um cão como co-terapeuta. Além destes relatos algumas poucas pesquisas apoiam a eficiência da Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA) para melhorar habilidades sociais de pessoas com autismo. No entanto quais aspectos do comportamento do cão são responsáveis por este resultado, permanecem obscuros. A presente pesquisa é parte de um estudo que visou testar os benefícios da introdução de um cão na terapia com crianças autistas. Foram observadas as interações entre crianças com autismo severo (4 meninos e 2 meninas de 8-14 anos) e cães, durante a TAA estruturada com procedimento de operante-livres, com interesse na iniciativa de início e término de contato. Realizamos 20 sessões em blocos com e sem cão. Todas as sessões foram filmadas. Foram analisadas as filmagens da primeira e da última sessão com cão (sessão 7 e sessão 20) avaliando: a frequência de aproximação, o tempo perto (ao alcance do braço), o tempo longe, o contato físico, sorrisos e vocalizações. Usamos um índice desenvolvido pelo etólogo Robert Hinde: % Aproximação devida à Criança (ApC) - % de Afastamento devida à Criança (AfC). Os cães permaneceram perto das crianças durante a maior parte do tempo (81% na primeira sessão e 99% na última). Houve mudança de tolerância por parte das crianças que não se tornaram aproximadoras, mas menos afastadoras (%ApC - %AfC: -12% na primeira sessão para -1% na última). Observações qualitativas mostraram diminuição no contato negativo com o cão e aumento no engajamento nas atividades propostas. Os cães, merecedores do título Canis empathicus, pareciam perceber pistas sobre como se comportar numa sessão, permanecendo à disposição da criança mesmo quando estas não respondiam e nem os incentivavam. A mudança de comportamento das crianças pode ter ocorrido devido a emoções positivas suscitadas pelo cachorro. Especialmente notável foi a mudança no comportamento de L.S., que nas primeiras sessões ficava de costas para a terapeuta, num canto da sala, e ao final brincava com o cão e interagia com a terapeuta. Nossos resultados podem ser uma pista para o sucesso da inserção de um cão em Terapia Assistida por Animais, para indivíduos com transtorno autista: abriu-se uma janela de oportunidades de aprendizagem / There are many anecdotal reports of successful cases in therapy for children with autism, where a dog was inserted as co-therapist. In addition to these reports a few studies support the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to improve social skills of people with autism. However, which aspects of the dog behavior are responsible for this result remain unclear. This work is part of a study of the benefits of introducing a dog in the therapy of autistic children. We observed interactions between children with severe autism (4 boys and 2 girls from 8-14 years old) and dogs during TAA structured free-operant procedure, with interest in the start and end of contact. Twenty (20) sessions were conducted in blocks with and without the dog. All sessions were video taped. We analyzed the recordings of the first and last sessions with the dog (session 7 and session 20) evaluating: the frequency of approach and the length of time close (within arm\'s reach), length of time away from physical contact, smiles and vocalizations. We used an index developed by the ethologist Robert Hinde: % of Approach due to the Child (ApC ) - % of distancing due to the Child (AfC). The dog remained close to the children during most of the time (81% in the first session and 99% in the last one). There was a change in the tolerance of children who have not become approachable, however less distant (ApC % - % AfC: -12 % in the first session to -1% in the last one). There was also a decrease in negative contact to the dog by the child and the emergence of the behavior of engaging in proposed activities. The dogs, deserving the title Canis empathicus, seem to perceive clues on how to behave in a session, remaining available to the children even when they do not respond nor encourage them. Changes in the children\'s behavior may be due to positive emotions raised by the dog. Especially notable was the change in the behavior of L.S., who during the first sessions stood with its back to the therapist, in a corner of the room, and at the end played with the dog and the therapist. Our results may be a clue to the relative success of the inclusion of a dog in Animal Assisted Therapy for individuals with autistic disorder: a window of opportunities for learning was opened

De acordo com o CDC - Center of Disease Control and Prevention (Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doença), 2007, houve um grande aumento de crianças diagnosticas com Transtorno do Espectro Autístico (TEA) nos últimos dez anos, sendo sua prevalência estimada em 1 caso para cada 150 crianças. Esse projeto teve por objetivo investigar os potenciais efeitos benéficos da utilização de um animal em intervenções terapêuticas sobre o comportamento de crianças e jovens com autismo em atendimentos de Terapia Ocupacional. Realizado através de uma parceria entre o Centro Educacional de Integração Paulista (CEIP) em São Bernardo do Campo, o Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo, o Centro Tecnológico da Marinha em São Paulo e o Instituto Nacional de Ações e Terapias Assistidas por Animais - INATAA, ele envolve uma equipe interdisciplinar e 20 crianças e adolescentes alunos do CEIP. Cada participante foi avaliado com o uso de instrumentos selecionados para tal, sendo eles a ETA - Escala de Traços Autísticos, CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) e M-CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddler). Foram realizadas, para cada participante, 20 sessões de Terapia Ocupacional, com regularidade semanal, divididas em quatro blocos sendo o primeiro bloco (sem cão) de 6 sessões, o segundo bloco (com cão) de 6 sessões, o terceiro bloco (sem cão) de 4 sessões e o quarto bloco (com cão) de 4 sessões. Para cada participante a observação comportamental foi realizada a partir de filmagens das sessões. Foram quantificadas categorias comportamentais de estereotipia e comportamentos de interação social. Os comportamentos foram analisados estatisticamente, calculando-se as frequências e durações dos comportamentos estereotipados e dos comportamentos de interação social na presença e ausência do cão e comparando sua evolução ao longo do tempo. No início e final de cada bloco de sessões, foi realizado o teste do olhar dirigido. Neste cada participante foi exposto, durante 5 segundos, a sete imagens consecutivamente, sendo as imagens um rosto feminino de lado, o mesmo rosto 6 olhando para o observador, um rosto masculino de lado, o mesmo rosto olhando para o observador, uma imagem neutra de uma árvore, o rosto de um cão de lado e o rosto de um cão olhando para o observador. O teste foi filmado e foi avaliado o tempo que cada participante mantém o olhar voltado para o estímulo e o tempo que o participante desvia do estimulo. Para os comportamentos em comum para todos os participantes (sorrir, contato visual, virar-se de costas e agressão), apesar da diferença numérica, a análise estatística (Friedman Test) não mostrou diferença significante (p= 0,257 para o comportamento de sorrir, p=0,083 para o comportamento de contato visual, p=0,705 para o comportamento de virar-se de costas e p=0,083 para o comportamento de agressão) na frequência desses comportamento entre a última sessão do primeiro bloco e a última sessão do quarto bloco. Observamos uma diminuição da frequência dos comportamentos de estereotipia na última sessão do último bloco quando comparada a última sessão do primeiro bloco para 10 dos 18 participantes. A análise estatística (Wilcoxon Signed Ranking Test) sugeriu uma diferença na frequência de estereotipia entre a última sessão do primeiro bloco, com escore médio de 4,72 ± 5,39 e a última sessão do último bloco, com escore médio de 5,16 ± 12,08 (Z= -1,669; p=0,052) e a segunda e a última sessão (Z= -1,669; p= 0,095). Quanto ao teste das fotos, a comparação estatística das durações médias de desvio de olhar de cada estímulo entre as 16 crianças que completaram o teste inicial mostrou que o tempo durante o qual desviaram o olhar das fotografias da mulher e do homem olhando diretamente para o observador (1,79 ± 1,49s e 2,67 ± 1,35s respectivamente) foi significativamente maior (One way ANOVA seguida de teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey-Kramer) do que o tempo médio durante o qual desviaram o olhar tanto da paisagem (0,79 ± 1,01s) como das duas fotografias de um cão, olhando (1,31 ± 1,23s) ou não (1,31 ± 1,40s) para o observador. Devido a singularidade dos comportamentos apresentados por esses indivíduos, a seleção e posterior análise de comportamentos comuns a todos os participantes representou um desafio para a análise comportamental. No entanto, apesar da análise estatística mostrar baixa significância na frequência dos comportamentos comuns a todos os participantes quando comparadas a última sessão do primeiro 7 bloco e a última sessão do último bloco poder considera-los como encorajadores o suficientes para justificar não somente uma análise mais extensa e aprofundada do riquíssimo banco de dados que constituímos como também a realização de novos experimentos / According to the CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2007), there was a large increase in diagnostic children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the last ten years, and its prevalence is estimated at 1 case for every 150 children. This project aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of the use of animals in therapeutic interventions on the behavior of children and young people with autism in Occupational Therapy interventions. Conducted through a partnership between the Centro Educacional de Integração Paulista (CEIP in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo, the Navy Technological Center in São Paulo and the Inntituto Nacional de AçOes e Terapias Assistidas por Animais - INATAA, it involves an interdisciplinary team and 20 children and adolescents students CEIP. Each participant was assessed using selected instruments, such was ETA (Autistic Traits Scale), CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) and M-CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddler). Were performed for each participant, 20 sessions of occupational therapy, on a weekly basis, divided into four blocks with the first block (no dog) 6 sessions, the second block (with dog) 6 sessions, the third block (without dog ) 4 sessions and the fourth block (with dog) 4 sessions. For each participant behavioral observation was made from filming of the sessions. Behavioral categories of stereotyped behavior and social interaction were quantified. The behaviors were statistically analyzed by calculating the frequencies and durations of stereotyped behaviors and behaviors of social interaction in the presence and absence of dog and comparing their evolution over time. At the beginning and end of each block of sessions, the test gaze directed was conducted. In each participant was exposed for 5 seconds to seven consecutive images and the images of a female face side, the same face looking at the viewer, a male face from the side, the same face looking at the viewer, a neutral image a tree, the face of a dog from the side and the face of a dog looking at the viewer. The test was filmed and evaluated the time that each participant keeps looking toward the stimulus and the time the participant deviates from the stimulus. For behaviors common to all participants (smiling, eye contact, turning his back and aggression), despite the numerical difference, statistical 9 analysis (Friedman test) showed no significant difference (p = 0.257 for the behavior of smiling, p = 0.083 for the behavior of eye contact, p = 0.705 for the behavior of turning his back and p = 0.083 for aggressive behavior) in the frequency of such behavior between the last session of the first block and the last session of the fourth block. A decrease in the frequency of stereotyped behaviors was observed in the last session of the last block when compared to last session of the first block of 18 to 10 participants. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) suggested a difference in the frequency of stereotypy between the last session of the first block, with a mean score of 4.72 ± 5.39 and the last session of the last block, with a mean score of 5.16 ± 12.08 (Z = -1.669, p = 0.052) and the second and last session (Z = -1.669, p = 0.095). Statistical comparison of the mean durations of gaze deviation of each stimulus among 16 children who completed the initial test showed that the time during which looked away from pictures of woman and man looking directly at the observer (1.79 ± 1, 49s and 2.67 ± 1.35 s, respectively) was significantly higher (One way ANOVA followed by multiple comparison Tukey-Kramer) than the average time during which looked away as much of the landscape (0.79 ± 1 test 01s) as the two photographs of a dog, looking at (1.31 ± 1.23 s) or not (1.31 ± 1.40 s) for the observer. Because of the singularity of the behaviors presented by these subjects, the selection and subsequent analysis common to all participants behaviors represented a challenge for behavioral analysis. However, despite the statistical significance show low frequency common to all participants behaviors when compared to last session of the first block and the last session of the last block can consider them as the encouraging enough to justify not only a more extensive and depth analysis of the rich database that constitute as also the further experiments

De acordo com o CDC - Center of Disease Control and Prevention (Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doença), 2007, houve um grande aumento de crianças diagnosticas com Transtorno do Espectro Autístico (TEA) nos últimos dez anos, sendo sua prevalência estimada em 1 caso para cada 150 crianças. Esse projeto teve por objetivo investigar os potenciais efeitos benéficos da utilização de um animal em intervenções terapêuticas sobre o comportamento de crianças e jovens com autismo em atendimentos de Terapia Ocupacional. Realizado através de uma parceria entre o Centro Educacional de Integração Paulista (CEIP) em São Bernardo do Campo, o Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo, o Centro Tecnológico da Marinha em São Paulo e o Instituto Nacional de Ações e Terapias Assistidas por Animais - INATAA, ele envolve uma equipe interdisciplinar e 20 crianças e adolescentes alunos do CEIP. Cada participante foi avaliado com o uso de instrumentos selecionados para tal, sendo eles a ETA - Escala de Traços Autísticos, CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) e M-CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddler). Foram realizadas, para cada participante, 20 sessões de Terapia Ocupacional, com regularidade semanal, divididas em quatro blocos sendo o primeiro bloco (sem cão) de 6 sessões, o segundo bloco (com cão) de 6 sessões, o terceiro bloco (sem cão) de 4 sessões e o quarto bloco (com cão) de 4 sessões. Para cada participante a observação comportamental foi realizada a partir de filmagens das sessões. Foram quantificadas categorias comportamentais de estereotipia e comportamentos de interação social. Os comportamentos foram analisados estatisticamente, calculando-se as frequências e durações dos comportamentos estereotipados e dos comportamentos de interação social na presença e ausência do cão e comparando sua evolução ao longo do tempo. No início e final de cada bloco de sessões, foi realizado o teste do olhar dirigido. Neste cada participante foi exposto, durante 5 segundos, a sete imagens consecutivamente, sendo as imagens um rosto feminino de lado, o mesmo rosto 6 olhando para o observador, um rosto masculino de lado, o mesmo rosto olhando para o observador, uma imagem neutra de uma árvore, o rosto de um cão de lado e o rosto de um cão olhando para o observador. O teste foi filmado e foi avaliado o tempo que cada participante mantém o olhar voltado para o estímulo e o tempo que o participante desvia do estimulo. Para os comportamentos em comum para todos os participantes (sorrir, contato visual, virar-se de costas e agressão), apesar da diferença numérica, a análise estatística (Friedman Test) não mostrou diferença significante (p= 0,257 para o comportamento de sorrir, p=0,083 para o comportamento de contato visual, p=0,705 para o comportamento de virar-se de costas e p=0,083 para o comportamento de agressão) na frequência desses comportamento entre a última sessão do primeiro bloco e a última sessão do quarto bloco. Observamos uma diminuição da frequência dos comportamentos de estereotipia na última sessão do último bloco quando comparada a última sessão do primeiro bloco para 10 dos 18 participantes. A análise estatística (Wilcoxon Signed Ranking Test) sugeriu uma diferença na frequência de estereotipia entre a última sessão do primeiro bloco, com escore médio de 4,72 ± 5,39 e a última sessão do último bloco, com escore médio de 5,16 ± 12,08 (Z= -1,669; p=0,052) e a segunda e a última sessão (Z= -1,669; p= 0,095). Quanto ao teste das fotos, a comparação estatística das durações médias de desvio de olhar de cada estímulo entre as 16 crianças que completaram o teste inicial mostrou que o tempo durante o qual desviaram o olhar das fotografias da mulher e do homem olhando diretamente para o observador (1,79 ± 1,49s e 2,67 ± 1,35s respectivamente) foi significativamente maior (One way ANOVA seguida de teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey-Kramer) do que o tempo médio durante o qual desviaram o olhar tanto da paisagem (0,79 ± 1,01s) como das duas fotografias de um cão, olhando (1,31 ± 1,23s) ou não (1,31 ± 1,40s) para o observador. Devido a singularidade dos comportamentos apresentados por esses indivíduos, a seleção e posterior análise de comportamentos comuns a todos os participantes representou um desafio para a análise comportamental. No entanto, apesar da análise estatística mostrar baixa significância na frequência dos comportamentos comuns a todos os participantes quando comparadas a última sessão do primeiro 7 bloco e a última sessão do último bloco poder considera-los como encorajadores o suficientes para justificar não somente uma análise mais extensa e aprofundada do riquíssimo banco de dados que constituímos como também a realização de novos experimentos / According to the CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2007), there was a large increase in diagnostic children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the last ten years, and its prevalence is estimated at 1 case for every 150 children. This project aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of the use of animals in therapeutic interventions on the behavior of children and young people with autism in Occupational Therapy interventions. Conducted through a partnership between the Centro Educacional de Integração Paulista (CEIP in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo, the Navy Technological Center in São Paulo and the Inntituto Nacional de AçOes e Terapias Assistidas por Animais - INATAA, it involves an interdisciplinary team and 20 children and adolescents students CEIP. Each participant was assessed using selected instruments, such was ETA (Autistic Traits Scale), CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) and M-CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddler). Were performed for each participant, 20 sessions of occupational therapy, on a weekly basis, divided into four blocks with the first block (no dog) 6 sessions, the second block (with dog) 6 sessions, the third block (without dog ) 4 sessions and the fourth block (with dog) 4 sessions. For each participant behavioral observation was made from filming of the sessions. Behavioral categories of stereotyped behavior and social interaction were quantified. The behaviors were statistically analyzed by calculating the frequencies and durations of stereotyped behaviors and behaviors of social interaction in the presence and absence of dog and comparing their evolution over time. At the beginning and end of each block of sessions, the test gaze directed was conducted. In each participant was exposed for 5 seconds to seven consecutive images and the images of a female face side, the same face looking at the viewer, a male face from the side, the same face looking at the viewer, a neutral image a tree, the face of a dog from the side and the face of a dog looking at the viewer. The test was filmed and evaluated the time that each participant keeps looking toward the stimulus and the time the participant deviates from the stimulus. For behaviors common to all participants (smiling, eye contact, turning his back and aggression), despite the numerical difference, statistical 9 analysis (Friedman test) showed no significant difference (p = 0.257 for the behavior of smiling, p = 0.083 for the behavior of eye contact, p = 0.705 for the behavior of turning his back and p = 0.083 for aggressive behavior) in the frequency of such behavior between the last session of the first block and the last session of the fourth block. A decrease in the frequency of stereotyped behaviors was observed in the last session of the last block when compared to last session of the first block of 18 to 10 participants. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) suggested a difference in the frequency of stereotypy between the last session of the first block, with a mean score of 4.72 ± 5.39 and the last session of the last block, with a mean score of 5.16 ± 12.08 (Z = -1.669, p = 0.052) and the second and last session (Z = -1.669, p = 0.095). Statistical comparison of the mean durations of gaze deviation of each stimulus among 16 children who completed the initial test showed that the time during which looked away from pictures of woman and man looking directly at the observer (1.79 ± 1, 49s and 2.67 ± 1.35 s, respectively) was significantly higher (One way ANOVA followed by multiple comparison Tukey-Kramer) than the average time during which looked away as much of the landscape (0.79 ± 1 test 01s) as the two photographs of a dog, looking at (1.31 ± 1.23 s) or not (1.31 ± 1.40 s) for the observer. Because of the singularity of the behaviors presented by these subjects, the selection and subsequent analysis common to all participants behaviors represented a challenge for behavioral analysis. However, despite the statistical significance show low frequency common to all participants behaviors when compared to last session of the first block and the last session of the last block can consider them as the encouraging enough to justify not only a more extensive and depth analysis of the rich database that constitute as also the further experiments

Animal‑Assisted Intervention (AAI) is used to significantly reduce pain, lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, and help ease depression in people with a range of health problems; however, it is not readily used in the hospital setting. Research involving the Human‑Animal Bond (HAB) is well established, yet most social workers receive no special training or coursework about this topic as it applies to working with patients or consumers. This study sought to understand the beliefs about AAI among medical social workers in healthcare settings in order to gauge what knowledge and degree of exposure they may have had to AAI. Eighteen randomly selected social workers, holding MSW, ASW, LMSW or LCSW credentials, employed from 6 months to 26 years in hospital or cancer clinic settings across the United States were interviewed by phone, recorded, and their comments transcribed. Nine specific themes were identified. Fifteen of the 18 medical social workers had no formal training, workshop or class discussion during undergraduate or graduate school training. No one had any on the job training, unless they purposefully sought it out, as three did. All participants agreed that they would like to know more about AAI to incorporate into their workplace in order to better inform patients, doctors, nurses and staff about the benefits of animals as a natural healing modality.

This study explores the historical context of human-animal relationships and examines the important ways that humans benefit from various types of interactions with domesticated animals. Therapeutic approaches that incorporate animals have been shown to have multiple benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Although this area of study is still largely overlooked in scientific fields of study, including social work, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has become increasingly prevalent in various mental health settings. Despite its popularity and anecdotal support, research on the benefits of AAT with children is minimal; there are no studies examining the ways in which this approach impacts children under the age of five. Thirteen preschool-aged children from a community-based early intervention program participated in a 16-week pilot study on AAT. The children were considered at-risk for potential behavioral, emotional and psychological challenges due to a constellation of factors, including developmental delays, poverty and early childhood trauma. This research includes case studies for each of the participants, with detailed information about the children as well as an account of their therapeutic experiences during the 16-week program. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the data. Broad themes emerged in two main areas: demographic factors and intervention strategies. Each of these themes is explored in depth to highlight the most salient features of the cases and effective therapeutic processes. Findings indicate that the population studied shared various characteristics, including poverty, trauma history and complex family sessions. Preschool-aged children with risk factors do benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy in different ways based upon their histories and presenting behaviors. Children who present with internalizing behaviors, fear and disengagement, respond favorably to therapeutic cross-talking and physical touch; children with aggression and externalizing behaviors respond positively to clear limits, identifying feelings in the therapy dog and physical touch; and children who present more typically for the age and development, respond well to various forms of therapeutic interventions that incorporate the dog. Recommendations for therapeutic animal-based approaches are made based on the findings of this research.

This study aims to deconstruct current conceptions about animal-assisted interventions by investigating relationships between human beings and birds of prey. Interactions between birds of prey, or “raptors,” provide novel cases from which to reexamine failed attempts to provide empirical data in support of alternative therapies. Previous research addressing the efficacy of animal-assisted interventions is simply not robust enough to be considered a feasible treatment option by medical professionals. By extension, models of self-regulation in psychology are often presented using reductionist models and oversimplified therapeutic outcomes. Taken together, raptor-human relationships help to highlight the shortcomings of each, as well as potential solutions towards developing comprehensive frameworks for measuring efficacy of multispecies interactions. This study was conducted at a small nature park in Largo, FL where a number of native raptor species are housed, cared for, and trained each day by volunteers. These volunteers made up the sample size for this study with forty participants (n = 40) between the ages of eighteen and seventy five. Drawing on both my own experiences as a raptor handler, as well as the qualitative data collected from volunteers, I employed a neuroanthropological approach to reveal underlying dynamics of the program via a two-stage research plan. Stage 1 of the study addresses the Raptor Program itself in facilitating human-animal interactions. Stage 2 addresses the mechanisms at play during firsthand encounters with birds of prey. Findings suggest that programmatic and regulatory drivers within the program must operate together, often simultaneously, for an animal-assisted intervention organization to be successful. Further, this study calls for the ongoing development of novel methodological approaches in future research to determine the efficacy of animal-assisted interventions at large.

<p>The main purpose of this examination paper has been to do a review of recent scientific and evaluated studies performed on children 0-15 years of age, treated with an animal as an assistant to the therapist/professional. The key term is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Our focus has been to describe in what fields these kinds of studies have been performed, what the results are and how effective they have been. As a supplement to our study we have performed 8 short telephone interviews with professionals in the same field of occupation corresponding to the studies we have summarized. Our results concerning the studies show that there has been a positive outcome in the treatment of children and adolescents and AAT. This agegroup show an increase in for example; social skills, communication and maintaining focus. The results in our interviews show that there is poor knowledge in the research done in the area of AAT, that AAT is not used in these areas in Stockholm though the interest in the method seems large. As theoretical frameworks we have used the biophilia hypothesis and Winnicotts theory of the transition object.</p>

<p>Syftet med denna deskriptiva litteraturstudie var att beskriva vilken inverkan sällskapsdjur har på äldre personers hälsa och välbefinnande. Totalt 18 vetenskapliga artiklar inkluderades dessa återfanns i databaserna Cinahl, Science Direct och Academic Search Elite samt via andra artiklars referenslistor. Studierna som gjorts om djurens inverkan på äldre personer som bor i det egna hemmet genomfördes med enkäter och intervjuer. Resultatet visade att djurägarna var mindre missnöjda med sin sociala och emotionella situation än de som inte ägde djur. Hos hemmaboende personer med Alzheimers sjukdom visade det sig att interaktioner med sällskapsdjur minskade humör- och psykomotoriska störningar såsom aggression, hyperaktivitet, hallucinationer och känslor av oro. Även en påverkan på den fysiska hälsan hos djurägare återfanns då de fick mer motion än vad icke djurägare fick. Djurägarnas ADL förmåga bibehölls i större utsträckning över tid i jämförelse med de äldre som inte ägde något djur. De flesta studier som gjorts om sällskapsdjurens påverkan på äldre personer inom äldreomsorgen har varit av experimentell karaktär. Sällskapsdjuren hade flera effekter på de äldre; det sociala samspelet och de verbala interaktionerna ökade, känslan av depression och ensamhet minskade. En klar fysisk förbättring kunde påvisas i form av minskade muskelspänningar och trötthet, ökat nutritionsintag och lägre blodtryck. Bland äldre dementa personer påvisades en markant minskning av oro och aggressivitet då de deltog i djurterapi.</p> / <p>The aim of this descriptive literature review was to describe the impact of pets on the health and well being of elderly persons. A total of 18 studies were included which were found in Cinahl, Science Direct and Academic Search Elite and from other article references. Questionnaires and interviews were used to asses the impact of pets on elderly persons living at home. The result showed that pet owners were more satisfied with the social and emotional situation compared to non-pet owners. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease living at home and interacted with pets showed a lesser degree of aggression, hyperactivity, hallucinations and anxiety than non-pet owners. Pets also had an influence on the physical health of the pet owners. They took longer walks more frequently than non-pet owners. Pet owners preserved their ADL to a greater extent compared to non-pet owners. Most studies exploring the impact of pets on elderly living in nursing homes were experimental. Pets had several effects on the elderly; the social connection and the verbal interactions increased, depression and loneliness decreased. Pets also affected the physical condition of the elderly; they had less muscle tensions and fatigue, higher nutritional intake and lower blood pressure. Among the elderly with dementia the anxiety and aggression decreased when they participated in animal assisted therapy.</p>

Syftet med denna deskriptiva litteraturstudie var att beskriva vilken inverkan sällskapsdjur har på äldre personers hälsa och välbefinnande. Totalt 18 vetenskapliga artiklar inkluderades dessa återfanns i databaserna Cinahl, Science Direct och Academic Search Elite samt via andra artiklars referenslistor. Studierna som gjorts om djurens inverkan på äldre personer som bor i det egna hemmet genomfördes med enkäter och intervjuer. Resultatet visade att djurägarna var mindre missnöjda med sin sociala och emotionella situation än de som inte ägde djur. Hos hemmaboende personer med Alzheimers sjukdom visade det sig att interaktioner med sällskapsdjur minskade humör- och psykomotoriska störningar såsom aggression, hyperaktivitet, hallucinationer och känslor av oro. Även en påverkan på den fysiska hälsan hos djurägare återfanns då de fick mer motion än vad icke djurägare fick. Djurägarnas ADL förmåga bibehölls i större utsträckning över tid i jämförelse med de äldre som inte ägde något djur. De flesta studier som gjorts om sällskapsdjurens påverkan på äldre personer inom äldreomsorgen har varit av experimentell karaktär. Sällskapsdjuren hade flera effekter på de äldre; det sociala samspelet och de verbala interaktionerna ökade, känslan av depression och ensamhet minskade. En klar fysisk förbättring kunde påvisas i form av minskade muskelspänningar och trötthet, ökat nutritionsintag och lägre blodtryck. Bland äldre dementa personer påvisades en markant minskning av oro och aggressivitet då de deltog i djurterapi. / The aim of this descriptive literature review was to describe the impact of pets on the health and well being of elderly persons. A total of 18 studies were included which were found in Cinahl, Science Direct and Academic Search Elite and from other article references. Questionnaires and interviews were used to asses the impact of pets on elderly persons living at home. The result showed that pet owners were more satisfied with the social and emotional situation compared to non-pet owners. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease living at home and interacted with pets showed a lesser degree of aggression, hyperactivity, hallucinations and anxiety than non-pet owners. Pets also had an influence on the physical health of the pet owners. They took longer walks more frequently than non-pet owners. Pet owners preserved their ADL to a greater extent compared to non-pet owners. Most studies exploring the impact of pets on elderly living in nursing homes were experimental. Pets had several effects on the elderly; the social connection and the verbal interactions increased, depression and loneliness decreased. Pets also affected the physical condition of the elderly; they had less muscle tensions and fatigue, higher nutritional intake and lower blood pressure. Among the elderly with dementia the anxiety and aggression decreased when they participated in animal assisted therapy.