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
DOI is like a bar code for intellectual property: to have more infomation click here

Below, you can see the article first page

If you want to buy this article in PDF format, you can do it, following the instructions to buy download credits

Article preview

FrancoAngeli is member of Publishers International Linking Association, Inc (PILA), a not-for-profit association which run the CrossRef service enabling links to and from online scholarly content.

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

  1. Stumpf E. and Breitenbach E. (2014). Dolphin-assisted therapy with parental involvement for children with severe disabilities: Further evidence for a family-centered theory for effectiveness. Anthrozoös, 27 (1): 95-109.
  2. Sussman M. (2016). Pets and the family. London: Routledge.
  3. Thomas R. and Matusitz J. (2016). Pet Therapy in correctional institutions: A perspective from relational ‒ cultural theory. Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work, 13 (2): 228-235. DOI: 10.1080/23761407.2015.1029840
  4. Tissen I., Hergovich A. and Spiel C. (2007). School-based social training with and without dogs: Evaluation of their effectiveness. Anthrozoös, 20 (4): 365-373. DOI: 10.2752/089279307X245491
  5. Tronick E.Z. (2010). Espansione diadica degli stati di coscienza e processo di cambiamento terapeutico [Dyadic expansion of states of consciousness and process of therapeutic change]. Quaderno di Psicoterapia del Bambino e dell’Adolescente, 32: 99-110.
  6. Tsai C.C., Friedmann E. and Thomas S.A. (2010). The Effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy on stress responses in hospitalized children. Anthrozoös, 23 (3): 245-258.
  7. Valsiner J. e De Luca Picione R. (2017). La regolazione dinamica dei processi affettivi attraverso la mediazione semiotica. Rivista Internazionale di Filosofia e Psicologia, 8 (1): 80-109.
  8. Verga M. and Michelazzi M. (2009). Companion animal welfare and possible implications on the human-pet relationship. Italian Journal of Animal Sciences, 8 (1): 231-240
  9. Wells D.L. (2009). The effects of animals on human health and wellbeing. Journal of Social Issues, 65 (3): 523-543.
  10. Zeblisky K.A. and Jennings M.L. (2016). The Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital: A journey towards evidence. Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 16 (1,2): 49-58. DOI: 10.1080/15323269.2016.1118293
  11. Balluerka N., Muela A., Amiano N. and Caldentey M. (2014). Influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in residential care. Children and Youth Services Review, 42: 103-109.
  12. Barker S., Knisely J.S., Schubert C., Green J.D. and Ameringer S. (2015). The Effect of an Animal-Assisted Intervention on anxiety and pain in hospitalized children. Anthrozoös, 28(1): 101-112.
  13. Bass M.M., Duchowny C.A. and Llabre M.M. (2009). The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39 (9) :1261-1267.
  14. Ben-Itzchak E. and Zachor D.A. (2007). The effects of intellectual functioning and autism severity on outcome of early behavioral intervention for children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28 (3): 287-303.
  15. Bergstrom R., Tarbox J. and Gutshall K.A. (2011). Behavioral intervention for domestic pet mistreatment in a young child with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5 (1): 218-221.
  16. Berry A., Borgi M., Francia N., Alleva E. and Cirulli F. (2012). Use of assistance and therapy dogs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A critical review of the current evidence. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18: 1-8.
  17. Borgi M., Loliva D., Cerino S., Chiarotti F., Venerosi A., Bramini M., Nonnis E., Marcelli M., Vinti C., De Santis C., Bisacco F., Fagerlie M., Frascarelli M. and Cirulli F. (2015). Effectiveness of a standardized Equine-Assisted therapy program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46 (1): 1-9.
  18. Burrows K.E., Adams C.L. and Spiers, J. (2008). Sentinels of safety: Service dogs ensure safety and enhance freedom and well-being for families with autistic children. Qualitative Health Research, 18 (12): 1642-1649. DOI: 10.1177/1049732308327088
  19. Busch C., Tucha L., Talarovicova A., Fuermaier A.B.M., Lewis-Evans B. and Tucha O. (2016). Animal-assisted interventions for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A theoretical review and consideration of future research directions. Psychological Reports, 118 (1): 292-331. DOI: 10.1177/0033294115626633
  20. Chandler C.K. (2011). Animal assisted therapy in counseling. New York, NY: Routledge.
  21. Chandramouleeswaran S. and Swamidhas Sudhakar Russell P. (2014). Complementary psychosocial interventions in child and adolescent psychiatry: Pet Assisted Therapy. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 36 (1): 4-8. DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.127240
  22. Chen C.C., Crews D., Mundt S. and Ringenbach S.D.R. (2015). Effects of equine interaction on EEG asymmetry in children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 61 (1): 56-59
  23. Chur-Hansen A, McArthur M., Winefield H., Haniel E. and Hazel S. (2014). Animal-Assisted Interventions in children’s hospitals: A critical review of the literature. Anthrozoös, 27 (1): 5-18. DOI: 10.2752/175303714X1383739632625
  24. Cirulli F. e Alleva E. (2007). Zooantropologia del terzo millennio: ricostruire l’antico rapporto animale-uomo e uomo-animale ai fini di una riabilitazione psicologica: la pet-therapy in Italia [Zooanthropology in the third millennium: rebuild the ancient animal-human and human-animal relationship for a psychological rehabilitation: the pet therapy in Italy]. Argomenti di Bioetica: Rivista dell’Istituto Italiano di Bioetica, 1(2): 167-174.
  25. Corson S.A., O’ Laery Corson E., Gwynne P.H. and Arnold E.L. (1975). Pet facilitated psychotherapy in a hospital setting. Current Psychiatric Therapies, 15: 277-286.
  26. De Luca Picione R. (2015). The Idiographic Approach in Psychological Research. The Challenge of Overcoming Old Distinctions without Risking to Homogenize. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 49 (3): 360-370.
  27. De Luca Picione R. and Freda M.F. (2016a). The processes of meaning making, starting from the morphogenetic theories of René Thom. Culture & Psychology, 22 (1): 139-157. DOI: 10.1177/1354067X15576171
  28. De Luca Picione R. and Freda M.F. (2016b). Possible use in psychology of threshold concept in order to study sensemaking processes. Culture & Psychology, 22 (3): 362-375.
  29. De Luca Picione R., Martino M.L. and Freda M.F. (2017). Modal articulation: The psychological and semiotic functions of modalities in the sensemaking process. Theory and Psychology Journal, 28 (1): 84-103. DOI: 10.1177/0959354317743580
  30. De Luca Picione R. and Valsiner J. (2017). Psychological functions of semiotic borders in sense-making: Liminality of narrative processes. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 13 (3): 532-547
  31. Delta Society (2006). Introduction to animal-assisted activities and therapy (AAA/AAT). Online on -- www.deltasociety.org.
  32. Dicé F., Auricchio M., Boursier V., De Luca Picione R., Santamaria F., Salerno M., Valerio P. e Freda M.F. (2018). Lo Scaffolding psicologico per la presa in carico delle condizioni Intersex/DSD. I Setting di Ascolto Congiunto. Psicologia della Salute, 1: 129-145. DOI: 10.3280/PDS2018-001008
  33. Dicé F., Dolce P. and Freda M.F. (2016), Exploring emotions and the shared decision-making process in pediatric primary care. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 4 (3): 1-31. DOI: 10.6092/2282-1619/2016.4.1312
  34. Dicé F., Gerardi F., Cappabianca A., Mastrolonardo M., Santaniello A. and Menna LF. (2017a). Promoting comprehension of emotion in children through Human Animal Interaction. A preliminary study about an Animal Assisted Intervention. In: Pignolo C. and Zennaro A., a cura di, XIX National Congress Italian Psychological Association (Clinical and Dynamic Section) Proceedings. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 5 (2B): 94-5. DOI: 10.6092/2282-1619/2017.5.1638
  35. Dicé F., Maiello A., Dolce P. and Freda M.F. (2017). Le trasformazioni dialogiche delle preoccupazioni in Pediatria di Famiglia: un’indagine empirica [Dialogical transformations of worries in pediatric primary care: an empirycal inquiry]. Psicologia della Salute, 3: 74-96. DOI: 10.3280/PDS2017-003004
  36. Dicé F., Santaniello A., Gerardi F. and Menna L.F. (2017). Promuovere il contatto con le emozioni attraverso la relazione interspecifica Uomo-Animale. Una proposta metodologica per gli Interventi Assistiti dagli Animali. In: Casale S. e Nerini A. (2017). La Psicologia come Scienza della Salute. Pre-atti del XII Congresso Nazionale Associazione S.I.P.S.A. Società Italiana di Psicologia della Salute, 63, Firenze: Firenze University Press.
  37. Dicé F., Santaniello A., Gerardi F., Menna L.F. and Freda M.F. (2017). Meeting the Emotion! Application of the Federico II Model for Pet Therapy to an experience of Animal Assisted Education (AAE) in a primary school. Practiques Psychologiques, 23: 445-63
  38. Dicé F. and Zoena F. (2017). Loneliness and family burden: An exploratory investigation on the emotional experiences of caregivers of patients with severe mental illness. The Qualitative Report, 22 (7): 1759-1769. -- Retrieved from http://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol22/iss7/4.
  39. Dilts R., Trompisch N. and Bergquist T.M. (2011). Dolphin-assisted therapy for children with special needs: A pilot study. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 6 (1): 56-68.
  40. Esposito G., Freda M.F. and De Luca Picione R. (2016). Reflexivity or “Reflexivities” in Higher Education: conceptualizing unique reflexive process. In: Freda M.F., Gonzàlez-Monteagudo J. and Esposito G., editors, Working with Underachieving Students in Higher Education: Fostering Inclusion through Narration and Reflexivity, New York: Routledge, pp. 32-42.
  41. Esposito L., McCune S., Griffin J.A. and Maholmes V. (2011). Directions in human–animal interaction research: Child development, health, and therapeutic interventions. Child Development Perspectives, 5 (3): 205-211.
  42. Esposito G., Ribeiro A.P., Alves D., Gonçalves M.M. and Freda M.F. (2017). Meaning coconstruction in group counseling: The development of innovative moments. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 30 (4): 404-426. DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2016.1238789
  43. Fine A., editor (2011). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice. Cambridge: Academic Press.
  44. Freda M.F. e Dicé F. (2017). Una proposta di formazione per promuovere il dialogo in pediatria di base. Lo Scaffolding Psicologico alla Relazione Sanitaria [A training proposal to promote dialog in pediatric primary care. Psychological Scaffolding to Doctor-Patient Relationship]. Quaderni ACP, 3 (maggio-giugno).
  45. Freda M.F., Dicé F., Auricchio M., Salerno M. and Valerio P. (2014), Suspended sorrow: the crisis in the understanding of the diagnosis for the mothers of children with a Disorder of Sex Development. International Journal of Sexual Health, 27 (2): 186-198, DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2014.957793
  46. Freda M.F., González-Monteagudo J. and Esposito G., editors (2016). Working with underachieving students in higher education: Fostering inclusion through narration and reflexivity. New York: Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781315659121
  47. Friesen L. (2010). Exploring animal-assisted programs with children in school and therapeutic contexts. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37 (4): 261-267.
  48. Funahashi A., Gruebler A., Aoki T., Kadone H. and Suzuki K. (2014). Brief report: The smiles of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder during an Animal-assisted activity may facilitate social positive behaviors. Quantitative Analysis with smile-detecting interface. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44 (3): 685-93.
  49. Fung S.C. and Leung A.S.M. (2014). Pilot study investigating the role of therapy dogs in facilitating social interaction among children with Autism. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 44 (4): 253-262.
  50. Gerardi F., Santaniello A., Del Prete L., Maurelli M.P., Menna L.F. and Rinaldi L. (2017). Parasitic infections in dogs involved in animal-assisted interventions. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 17(1): 269-272. DOI: 10.1080/1828051X.2017.1344937
  51. Hameury L., Delavous P., Teste B., Leroy C., Gaboriau J.C. and Berthier A. (2010). Equine-assisted therapy and autism. Annales Medico-Psychologiques, 168 (9): 655-659.
  52. Hoagwood K.E., Acri M., Morrissey M. and Peth-Pierce R. (2016). Animal-assisted therapies for youth with or at risk for mental health problems: A systematic review. Applied Developmental Science, 21(3): 1-13. DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2015.1134267
  53. Hunt M. and Chizkov R. (2014). Are therapy dogs like Xanax? Does Animal-Assisted Therapy impact processes relevant to cognitive behavioral psychotherapy? Anthrozoös, 27 (3): 457-469. DOI: 10.2752/175303714X14023922797959
  54. Jalongo M.R. (2015). An Attachment Perspective on the Child–Dog bond: Interdisciplinary and International research findings. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43 (5): 395-405.
  55. Kemp K., Signal T., Botros H., Taylor N. and Prentice K. (2014). Equine facilitated therapy with children and adolescents who have been sexually abused: a program evaluation study. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23 (3): 558-566.
  56. La Fata S. (2013). Pet Therapy. Le terapie assistite dall’animale domestico [Pet Therapy. Therapies assisted by pets]. Roma: Sovera.
  57. Lanning B.A., Baier M.E.M, Ivey-Tatz J., Krenek N. and Tubbs J.D. (2014). Effects of equine assisted activities on autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44 (11): 1897-1907.
  58. Lentini J.A. and Knox M.S. (2016). Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy with children and adolescents: An update and literature review Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 10 (3): 278-305 DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2015.1023916
  59. Lenzo V., Gargano M.T., Mucciardi M., Lo Verso G. and Quattropani M.C. (2014). Clinical efficacy and therapeutic alliance in a Time-Limited Group therapy for young adults. Research in Psychotherapy: psychopathology, process and outcome, 17(1): 9.20. DOI: 10.7411/RP.2013015
  60. Levinson B.M. (1962). The dog as co-therapist. Mental Hygiene, 46: 59-65.
  61. Maber-Aleksandrowicz S., Avent C. and Hassiotis A. (2016). A systematic review of Animal-Assisted Therapy on psychosocial outcomes in people with intellectual disability. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 49-50: 322-338.
  62. Marchesini R. (2015). Pet Therapy: Manuale pratico [Pet Therapy: Practical Handbook]. Firenze: Giunti Editore.
  63. Marchesini R. and Tonutti S. (2007). Manuale di Zooantropologia [Handbook of Zooanthropology]. Roma: Meltemi.
  64. Marcus D.A. (2013) The science behind Animal-Assisted Therapy. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17 (4): 322.
  65. Marnati L. (2011). Manuale di Pet Therapy [Handbook of Pet Therapy]. Milano: Xenia Edizioni.
  66. Martino M.L. and Freda M.F. (2016). Meaning-Making Process Related to Temporality During Breast Cancer Traumatic Experience: The Clinical Use of Narrative to Promote a New Continuity of Life. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 12 (4): 622-634.
  67. Martino M.L., Onorato R., D’Oriano V. and Freda M.F. (2013). Donne e tumore al seno: effetti del protocollo guidato di scrittura sui sintomi associati al disturbo post traumatico da stress [Women and Breast Cancer: effects of Guided Written Disclosure Protocol on post-traumatic stress]. Psicologia della Salute, 1: 125-137. DOI: 10.3280/PDS2013-001007
  68. Martino M.L., Onorato R. and Freda M.F. (2015). Linguistic Markers of Processing Trauma Experience in Women’s Written Narratives During Different Breast Cancer Phases: Implications for Clinical Interventions. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 11 (4): 651-663.
  69. Maujean A., Pepping C. and Kendall E. (2015). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Psychosocial Outcomes. Anthrozoös, 28 (1): 23-26. DOI: 10.2752/089279315X14129350721812
  70. McNicholas J. and Collis G.M. (2000). Dogs as catalyst for social interactions: robustness of the effect. British Journal of Psychology 91: 6-70. DOI: 10.1348/000712600161673
  71. Menna L.F. (2016). L’approccio scientifico alla Pet Therapy. Il metodo e la formazione secondo il Modello Federiciano [The scientific approach to the Pet Therapy. Methods and training according the Federico II Model]. Napoli: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.
  72. Menna L.F., Fontanella M., Santaniello A., Ammendola E., Travaglino M., Mugnai F., Di Maggio A. and Fioretti A. (2012). Evaluation of social relationships in elderly by animal-assisted activity. International psychogeriatrics, 24 (6): 1019. DOI: 10.1017/S1041610211002742
  73. Menna L.F., Gerardi F., Dicé F., Cappabianca A., Mastrolonardo M. and Santaniello A. (2017) An Animal Assisted Education intervention with dog in order to promote comprehension of children’s emotions in a nursery school. Poster in Congress “Babies & Animals ‒ Pediatricians meet vets”. University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO), 21-22 aprile.
  74. Menna L.F., Santaniello A., Gerardi F., Di Maggio A. and Milan G. (2016). Evaluation of the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy based on the reality orientation therapy protocol in Alzheimer’s disease patients: a pilot study. Psychogeriatrics, 16 (4): 240-246.
  75. Mills D. and Halls S. (2014). Animal-assisted interventions: making better use of the human-animal bond. Veterinary Record, 174: 269-273.
  76. Nimer J. and Lundahl B. (2007). Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Anthrozoös, 20 (3): 225-238. DOI: 10.2752/089279307X224773
  77. O’Haire M.E. (2013). Animal-Assisted Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic literature review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43 (7): 1606-1622.
  78. Odom S.L., Collet-Klingenberg L., Rogers S.J. and Hatton D.D. (2010). Evidence-based practices in interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Preventing School Failure, 54 (4): 275-282. DOI: 10.1080/10459881003785506
  79. OMS, FAO and CDC, editors (2004). Manhattan Principles, -- Retrivied from www.cdc.gov.
  80. Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, a cura di (2014). Linee Guida per gli Interventi Assistiti dagli Animali, Retrivied from www.salute.gov.it
  81. Pugliese A. (2005). Pet Therapy. Strategie d’intervento e linee guida [Pet Therapy. Intervention strategies and guidelines], Roma: Armando.
  82. Quattropani M.C., Lenzo V., Baio M., Bordino V., Germanà A., Grasso D., Grisolia E., Indelicato F., Manzone R. e Pennica S. (2017). Credenze metacognitive e strategie di coping in operatori di cure domiciliari a rischio burnout. Psicologia della Salute, 2: 121-140. DOI: 10.3280/PDS2017-002006
  83. Quattropani M.C., Lenzo V. and Filastro (2017). Predictive factors of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. An explorative study based on metacognitions. Journal of Psychopathology, 23: 67-73.
  84. Quattropani M.C., Lenzo V., Mucciardi M. and Toffley M.E. (2016). Metacognition as predictor of emotional distress in cancer patients. Life Span and Disability XIX, 2: 221-239.
  85. Santaniello A., Dicé F., Gerardi F., Menna L.F. and Valerio P. (2016). An experience of Education Assisted by Animals for emotional literacy of preschool children. In: XIV Triennal International Association Human Animal Interaction Organization (IAHAIO) International Conference, Parigi, 11-13 luglio.
  86. Schuck S.E.B., Emmerson N.A., Fine A.H. and Lakes K.D. (2015). Canine-Assisted Therapy for children with ADHD preliminary findings from the positive assertive cooperative kids study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 19 (2): 125-137.
  87. Signal T., Taylor N., Prentice K., McDade M. and Burke K.J. (2017). Going to the dogs: A quasi-experimental assessment of animal assisted therapy for children who have experienced abuse. Applied Developmental Science, 21(2): 81-93.
  88. Stefanini M.C., Martino A., Allori P., Galeotti F. and Tani F. (2015). The use of Animal-Assisted Therapy in adolescents with acute mental disorders: A randomized controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 21 (1): 42-46.
  89. Stumpf E. (2016). Dolphin assisted therapies: A narrative review. Kindheit und Entwicklung, 25 (2): 100-113.

  • The Semiotic Paradigm in Psychology. A Mature Weltanschauung for the Definition of Semiotic Mind Raffaele De Luca Picione, in Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science /2020 pp.639
    DOI: 10.1007/s12124-020-09555-y
  • Exploring emotions in dialog between health provider, parent and child. An observational study in pediatric primary care Francesca Dicé, Pasquale Dolce, Assunta Maiello, Maria Francesca Freda, in Pratiques Psychologiques /2020 pp.69
    DOI: 10.1016/j.prps.2018.12.001
  • Foundation of Ethics-Based Practices Raffaele De Luca Picione, Maria Francesca Freda, Livia Savarese, pp.115 (ISBN:978-3-030-83665-8)
  • A Systematic Review of Metacognitive Beliefs in Chronic Medical Conditions Vittorio Lenzo, Alberto Sardella, Gabriella Martino, Maria C. Quattropani, in Frontiers in Psychology 2875/2020
    DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02875
  • The Semiotic Construction of the Sense of Agency. The Modal Articulation in Narrative Processes Raffaele De Luca Picione, Maria Luisa Martino, Gina Troisi, in Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science /2019 pp.431
    DOI: 10.1007/s12124-019-9475-9

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