Animal-Assisted Interventions as health promotion processes. A systematic review

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Francesca Dicé, Antonio Santaniello, Federica Gerardi, Alda Paoletti, Paolo Valerio, Maria Francesca Freda, Lucia Francesca Menna
Publishing Year 2018 Issue 2018/3
Language Italian Pages 19 P. 5-23 File size 223 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2018-003001
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Authors present a literature review about Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in health care context and aimed to children. They are considered as valid auxiliary therapies, useful to support initiatives in medical, psychological and rehabilitation field. Despite their widespread use, they are discussed in an international scientific debate about best practices for structuring this clinical setting. In this review, 14 original articles, containing empirical data and published in international journals were included. In them, HAI is described as a promoter for processes of decoding, control and use of the emotions, and for promotion of relational skills. Nevertheless, there are few indications about criteria for the choices about operating protocols, professionals included and involved pets. Further studies, highlighting how the declination of HAI in clinical settings can facilitate the achievement of therapeutic goals, are required.

Keywords: Animal-Assisted Interventions, Human Animal Interaction, Multidisciplinary Settings, Relational Skills

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Francesca Dicé, Antonio Santaniello, Federica Gerardi, Alda Paoletti, Paolo Valerio, Maria Francesca Freda, Lucia Francesca Menna, Gli Interventi Assistiti dagli Animali come processi di promozione della salute. Una review sistematica in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 3/2018, pp 5-23, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2018-003001