<p> There has been substantial growth in recent decades in the variety and popularity of roles for dogs assisting humans in professional therapeutic partnerships. Simultaneously, increasingly rigorous research has repeatedly demonstrated the effects of professional human-canine partnerships in remedying important issues of public health among several at-risk populations. Yet, despite these areas of growth, mechanisms of action and predictors of efficacy in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) remain poorly understood, and the role of human diversity has been rarely discussed. Thus, the present dissertation examines potential mechanisms and diverse predictors in two distinct samples of professional human-canine partnerships, while building the impetus to explore diversity in the HAI field as a whole. For the first three studies (Chapters 2-4), the selected samples of professional human-canine partnerships include military veterans working with psychiatric service dogs to mediate their symptoms of PTSD and healthcare professionals in pediatric hospitals working with facility dogs to benefit their patients. Following the introduction in Chapter 1, the objective of Chapters 2-3 was to examine primary human outcomes in the selected professional canine partnerships. In a crosssectional study of N=198 military veterans with PTSD, Chapter 2 compared PTSD symptom severity between n=112 veterans with service dogs and n=86 veterans on the waitlist to receive service dogs in the future. Next, in a cross-sectional study of N=130 healthcare professionals in pediatric hospitals, Chapter 3 compared job-related well-being and mental health of n=65 professionals working with facility dogs to n=65 working without. Findings suggested benefits to the mental health and well-being of both military veterans with PTSD and pediatric healthcare professionals, which were significantly associated with their professional canine partnerships. Subsequently, the objective of Chapter 4 was to explore how variances within a specific professional canine partnership may suggest predictors and potential mechanisms for the observed human outcomes. Thus, in a longitudinal study of N=82 veterans with PTSD and their service dogs, Chapter 4 explored associations of veterans’ outcomes with veteran-service dog demographics and interactions. Results suggested components of the human-canine partnership which might explain observed human outcomes, including social connections, a calming influence, and strong humananimal bonds. </p>

<p>The attached document contains the dissertation of Clare Jensen, including descriptions of all procedures used in the associated research studies.</p>

Psykisk ohälsa är ett ökande problem samtidigt som symptomen ofta behandlas med medicinering istället för psykologiska behandlingsmetoder där individen får möjlighet att läka i lugn och ro. Hästunderstödda insatser är en behandlingsmetod som innefattar glädje och struktur för att lyfta individens självkänsla och egenskaper. Syftet med studien är att undersöka behandlarens syn på hästens roll i arbetet med psykisk ohälsa. Studien fokuserar på att utreda om hästen påverkar relationen mellan klient och behandlare samt huruvida häst och behandlare inverkar på klientens återhämtning. Det är en kvalitativ studie med semistrukturerade intervjuer och tematisk analys. Resultatet visar att hästunderstödda insatser kan vara en metod där det finns möjlighet att med hjälp av djur och natur, återhämta sig från psykisk ohälsa i lugn och ro. Hästen kan motivera samtidigt som relationen mellan behandlare och klient förbättras. Metoden kräver dock mer forskning för starkare evidens för att utvidga användningen i samhället. / Mental ill-health is a growing problem, where symptoms are often treated with medication instead of psychological treatment that allows the individual to recover in peace and quiet. Equine-assisted intervention is a treatment method that improves an individual's self-esteem and attitude by providing joy and structure. This study investigates the therapist's view of a horse's role in the treatment of mental ill-health. It examines whether a horse can influence the relationship between the client and the therapist, and whether the horse, together with the therapist, can influence the client's recovery. It is a qualitative study, with semistructured interviews and thematic analysis. The result shows that equine-assisted interventions can, with the help of animals and nature, provide the opportunity to recover from mental ill-health with tranquility and improve the client’s relationship with the therapist. However, more research is needed to strengthen the evidence and encourage the adoption of the method in society.

Bakgrund: I Sverige har det rapporterats en ökning bland barn och unga av psykiatriska diagnoser. En ökning av psykiska- samt psykosomatiska besvär hos ungdomar i åldern 13-15 år har konstaterats. Den upplevda skolmiljön ses som en stark koppling till elevernas ohälsa. Elever med långvarig skolfrånvaro riskerar att hamna i svårigheter både på kort och lång sikt. Idag används sociala tjänstehundar som särskilt stöd för elever med långvarig skolfrånvaro dock finns det en brist på kunskap om hur insatsens upplevs av både hundförare och eleven själv. Syfte: Studiens syfte var att undersöka elever och hundförares upplevelse av hundassisterad intervention som särskilt stöd vid långvarig skolfrånvaro. Metod: Två elever och tre hundförare intervjuades genom semistrukturerade intervjuer. Dessa intervjuer genomfördes via videosamtal. Eleverna var i ålder 13-15 år och gick på högstadiet. Hundförarna arbetade på högstadiet på uppdrag av elevhälsan med hundassisterade interventioner som särskilt stöd vid långvarig skolfrånvaro. Resultat: Eleverna och hundförarna upplevde att hunden stöttade eleverna genom sitt bemötande, sin närhet och förmåga till relationsskapade. Detta ledde till att eleverna upplevde en förändring i sitt mående och i sin tillvaro. Eleverna upplevde en känsla av minskad stress och ångest, där elevernas vänskapliga relation till hundarna blev en betydande faktor i sin motivation till att komma till skolan, vara i skolan och utföra sina skolarbeten. Slutsats: Användningen av hundassisterade intervention som särskilt stöd vid långvarig skolfrånvaro upplevdes ge eleverna förändrade förutsättningar att öka sin närvaro i skolan. Elevernas vilja att vara med den sociala tjänstehunden bidrog till en ökad motivation att deltaga i sin skolgång. / Background: Sweden is currently witnessing an increase in diagnosed psychiatric disorders among juveniles of all ages, within which an upsurge in psychological and psychosomatic maladies has been noted in the 13-15 year old demographic. The social environment of a student’s school is seen to have a direct relationship to said student’s potential mental health issues, which can lead to extended absences. Such absences increase the risk of continued problems for the student, even beyond the realm of mental health, in the short and long term. Therapydogs are now used to provide special assistance for students with extended absences from school, however, there is a lack of knowledge how this is experienced by both doghandlers and students. Aim: The aim of this study is to observe students’ and dog handlers’ experience with canine-assisted intervention as a form of special assistance for those with extended school absences. Method: Two students and three dog handlers were interviewed with the “semi-structured interview” technique via videocall. The students were ages 13-15, and study at the middle school. The dog handlers work with student health at the students’ middle school, using canine-assisted intervention as a form of special assistance to those with extended absences from school. Results: The students and the dog handlers felt that canine interaction supported the students in their attempts to create and develop meaningful relationships. This led to positive changes in the students’ temperament and mental health in general. The diminishment of feelings of stress and anxiety can be linked to the friendly relationships built with the dogs, ultimately resulting in an increased motivation attend school and complete schoolwork. Conclusion: The use of canine-assisted intervention as special assistance to those with extended school absences was seen to give students positively changed attitudes towards school attendance, with the students’ desire to build a relationship with the therapydog as a contributing factor towards this change.

Introduktion: Psykisk ohälsa hos barn och ungdomar är ett stort folkhälsoproblem. Tidigare forskning visar hälsofrämjande effekter för människan vid samspel med djur och vid naturvistelse. Djurassisterade interventioner (AAI) är ett sätt att nå personer med specifika behov eller i riskgrupp för ohälsa och på så sätt få dem att ta del av djurens och naturens hälsofrämjande egenskaper.  Syfte: Studiens syfte var att undersöka hur vårdnadshavare uppfattar att livskvaliteten hos deras barn och ungdomar med psykisk ohälsa har påverkats av deltagande i djurassisterade aktiviteter i naturen.  Metod: En kvalitativ intervjustudie med en semistrukturerad intervjuguide genomfördes med sex vårdnadshavare till barn och ungdomar som deltagit i individuella djurassisterade aktiviteter i naturen. En kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats användes.  Resultat: Aktiviteten upplevdes som kravlös och öppnade upp för deltagande, ansvarstagande och ökat initiativtagande hos barnen och ungdomarna. Vårdnadshavarna upplevde en positiv påverkan på deras barns situation utifrån olika aspekter såsom stärkt självtillit och en mer meningsfull vardag. Samtliga vårdnadshavare upplevde att aktiviteten hade en direkt positiv påverkan på barnens välmående i anslutning till aktivitetstillfällena, medan upplevelsen av påverkan på det generella välmåendet var mer splittrad.  Slutsats: Studiens fynd tyder på att djurassisterade aktiviteter i naturen utifrån vårdnadshavares perspektiv kan ha en hälsofrämjande påverkan på barn och ungdomars livskvalitet genom ökat välmående, stärkt empowerment och känsla av meningsfullhet. Studien öppnar upp för vidare forskningsmöjligheter angående en koppling mellan AAI och stärkt känsla av sammanhang (KASAM).

This study examined scientific evidence of animal-supported work in connection with the therapeutic relationship. The study aimed to investigate whether animal-supported work has any impact on the therapeutic relationship. The study also aimed to examine in what way animal-supported work impacts the therapeutic relationship and whether the effects could be explained by relevant theories. Literature review was chosen as the method of study to fulfil the objectives of this study and data was analysed through thematic analysis. The data used in this study was found in articles through a structured search of the databases PubMed and Psycinfo. In summary, the study found that there is scientific evidence that animal-supported work does impact the therapeutic relationship. The study also found that evidence suggest that animal-supported work impacts the therapeutic relationship in many ways, most of which are positive. The study found that one viable way of explaining the effects of animal-supported work is through the neurobiological theory of oxytocin. The effects could also be explained by the developmental psychological attachment theory. The result of this study points to a need for further research of the effects of animal-supported work on the therapeutic relationship.

本論文では、ヒューマン・サービス分野における動物介在プログラムの組織的機能を多角的に評価し、動物介在プログラムを導入することの意義について論じている。 / This paper discusses the significance of introducing Animal Assisted Program by multilaterally evaluating the organizational function of Animal Assisted Program at the field of Human Service. / 博士(政策科学) / Doctor of Philosophy in Policy and Management / 同志社大学 / Doshisha University

This thesis deals with the subject of keeping and using animals in primary schools. The theoretical part of this thesis reviews various scientific studies into the impact of animals on pupils during education and the possible benefits of animal breeding in schools. Furthermore, the conditions for safe breeding and the most frequently kept animals in schools are discussed as well as the risks and difficulties that their breeding and daily maintenance brings. Moreover, it discusses the need to evaluate the welfare of school animals and legislative precautions on the subject in the Czech Republic. The practical part of this thesis details investigations into the number of Prague primary schools where animals were kept in the school year 2017/2018. Through interviewing a representative sample of schools, it was found that 37 % of Prague's primary schools kept an animal. Furthermore, the different species of animals kept in the schools, their location within the schools, the person bearing responsibility for the animals and the usage and the frequency of it within the curriculum were studied. It was found that 52 % of teachers do not use the school animal more often than once a month. Another subject of the research was to find out the reasons for the absence of animals in schools; 92 % of respondents...

The importance of stress management is emphasized throughout this study as well as the need to cater stress management programmes to the unique needs of individuals. The possibility of introducing an animal-assisted stress management programme into the work environment is explored by means of a qualitative study in order to test out the feasibility of such an intervention. The positive physical and psychological effects animals have on humans has been extensively researched and reported. Eleven participants were randomly chosen from within the same department by means of purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were held with each participant and thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. Various themes were identified and explored with the most prominent highlighting the need for privacy, respect and connection. Although animals do have positive effects on some employees, there are individual differences that need to be considered. An electronic animal-assisted stress management intervention is recommended. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Le chien de service (CS) émerge comme modalité d’assistance à la gestion des symptômes reliés au trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT) auprès des vétérans. Les tâches qu’il accomplit et les changements qu’il induit sur l’activité physique et le sommeil, deux des habitudes de vie perturbées par le TSPT, demeurent peu étudiés à ce jour. Les objectifs spécifiques de cette thèse étaient de : 1) spécifier les rôles et les tâches accomplis par le CSTSPT, les avantages et les obstacles reliés à son utilisation ainsi que les recommandations souhaitables pour améliorer l’efficacité du CSTSPT, 2) décrire la sédentarité, l’activité physique, et le sommeil avant et après l’acquisition d’un CSTSPT à l’aide de l’actigraphie et de questionnaires standardisés et examiner si les changements post-acquisition s’accompagnaient d’un élargissement des aires de déplacement et d’une diminution de l’intensité des symptômes reliés au TSPT et ceux dépressifs, et 3) explorer s’il y a des associations entre la sédentarité, l’activité physique, et l’intensité des symptômes reliés au TSPT et ceux dépressifs avant l’acquisition d’un CSTSPT, ainsi qu’entre les changements de la sédentarité, l’activité physique, et le sommeil, avant et après l’acquisition d’un CSTSPT auprès de vétérans vivant avec un TSPT chronique. Ces objectifs ont été poursuivis à l’aide : d’une étude de cas exploratoire transversale réalisée auprès de 10 vétérans experts utilisant leur CSTSPT depuis deux à quatre ans (objectif/étude 1), une étude exploratoire prépost intervention sans groupe contrôle complétée par 18 vétérans vivant avec un TSPT chronique (objectif/étude 2), et d’une étude corrélationnelle réalisée auprès 27 vétérans vivant un TSPT chronique (objectif/étude 3). Les résultats de l’étude 1 soutiennent que le CSTSPT accomplit plusieurs rôles (p. ex., détecter les symptômes intrusifs) et tâches (p. ex., réveiller le vétéran lors d’un cauchemar), et qu’il procure plusieurs avantages (p. ex. faciliter la gestion des symptômes), malgré la présence d’obstacles (p. ex. coûts reliés à son utilisation). Les constats rapportés supportent l’émission de recommandations (p. ex. création d’un programme national de CSTSPT) afin d’améliorer son utilisation. Les résultats de l’étude 2 indiquent que l’acquisition d’un CSTSPT améliore le pourcentage de temps quotidien d’éveil dédié à réaliser de l’activité physique d’intensité modérée, le nombre de pas réalisés par jour, l’étendue des aires de déplacement (c.-à-d., voisinage et extérieur de la ville), et l’intensité des symptômes reliés au TSPT et ceux dépressifs. Aucune amélioration significative n’a été observée pour le sommeil mesuré par actigraphie, alors que les résultats Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index indiquent une amélioration de la qualité du sommeil et de l’efficacité du sommeil, ainsi qu’une diminution des perturbations du sommeil. Les résultats de l’étude 3 révèlent des associations faibles et modérées qui suggèrent la présence d’effets synergiques entre l’activité physique, le sommeil et les symptômes associés au TSPT et ceux dépressifs. En conclusion, les résultats confirment que le CSTSPT représente une modalité d’assistance prometteuse pour la gestion des symptômes reliés au trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT). / The psychiatric service dog (SDPTSD) is emerging as an assistive modality for the management of symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. The scientific evidence pertaining to the tasks the SDPTSD accomplishes and the changes brought about its acquiring on physical activity and sleep, two of the life habits perturbed by PTSD, remain limited. The specific objectives of this thesis were thus to: 1) specify the roles and tasks accomplished by the SDPTSD, the advantages and obstacles associated to its use, and recommendations to increase its efficacy, 2) describe sedentariness, physical activity, and sleep before and after the acquiring of a SDPTSD using actigraphy and standardized questionnaires and examining if the changes reported following its acquiring were accompanied by an expansion of mobility areas and a diminution of the intensity of PTSD-related and depressive symptoms, and 3) explore the associations between 1) sedentariness, physical activity, and the intensity of PTSD-related and depressive symptoms, and 2) sedentariness, physical activity, and sleep three months before and nine months after the acquiring of a SDPTSD among veterans living with chronic PTSD. These specific objectives were carried out with an exploratory cross-sectional case study realized among 10 expert veterans who had been using their SDPTSD for two to four years (objective/study 1), a prepost intervention exploratory study without a control group realized among 18 veterans living with chronic PTSD (objective/study 2), and a correlational study realized among 27 veterans living with chronic PTSD (objective/study 3). In brief, the results of study 1 showed that the SDPTSD accomplishes several roles (e.g., detecting intrusive symptoms), and tasks (e.g., awakening the veteran during a nightmare), and that it brings several advantages (e.g., facilitating symptom management), despite obstacles (e.g., cost related to its use). Observations gathered in this study support issuance of recommendations (e.g., creating a national SDPTSD program) to improve its use. The results of study 2 suggest that the acquiring of a SDPTSD improves the percentage of daily awake time dedicated to practising physical activity of moderate intensity, the number of steps per day, mobility areas (neighborhood and outside of town), and the intensity of PTSD-related and depressive symptoms. No significative improvements emerged when considering actigraphic sleep results, although results at the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index revealed an improved sleep quality and efficiency and a diminution of sleep perturbations. The results of study 3 uncovered weak and moderate correlations suggesting the presence of synergic effects between physical activity, sleep and the intensity of PTSD-related and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, these encouraging results confirm that the SDPTSD is a promising assistive aid in the management of PTSD-related symptoms.