The Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Animal Assisted Therapies with Farm Animals (AATF) with domesticated ducks on depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) . Furthermore, the following hypothesis was tested: Engaging in AATF with domesticated ducks will be associated with decrease in depression, anxiety, and an increase in self-efficacy. Methods The study examined the effects of AATF on anxiety and depression among patients with TBI. Time series quasi-experimental design structure was utilized. At the beginning of the study participants received Hospital Anxiety and Depression Survey (HADS) and General Self Efficacy (GSE) questionnaires to evaluate the depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy. After that AAFT intervention started. AAFT intervention included two one-hour sessions interacting with ducks every week for 12 weeks. At the end of 12-week period participants received the same questioners. This was repeated in four weeks after the intervention ended to evaluate the residual effects of the intervention on anxiety and depression. Results General Linear Model was employed to examine changes in anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy. Participants presented with anxiety level decrease when means of pre and post intervention anxiety levels were compared. We discovered that these differences were significant based on an alpha value of .05, p = .009. There were no statistically significant differences between anxiety levels immediately post intervention and in four weeks the intervention was complete. There were no statistically significant differences discovered between depression levels pre, post, and retest. Also, there were no statistically significant differences discovered between self-efficacy levels pre, post, and retest. Conclusions Our study supported the part of hypothesis regarding an inverse association between time spent working with ducks and anxiety. Mastery of skills, vicarious experiences, and verbal persuasion may be the factors that contribute to the beneficial outcomes of the interactions between persons with TBI and domesticated ducks.

This pilot study examined the effect of participation in an equine-assisted activities (EAA) program on the social functioning of participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre- and post-assessments via the Naples Equestrian Challenge Participant Initial Evaluation were completed by a trained Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor prior to and at the conclusion of a 12 week EAA program. 12 individuals (75% male; M age = 10.8; age range 5 – 20 years) participated. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to examine the impact of EAA on social functioning. Analyses revealed that involvement in the EAA program resulted in a significant improvement in social functioning, but when grouped by age (5 – 10 years old, 10 – 20 years old) the effects were not significant. Lastly, individual analyses indicated that 75% of the sample had improved social functioning scores after participation in the EAA program. Results support EAA as an effective therapy for persons with ASD.