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Animals
Special Issues
The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions
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The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 16762

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Angela Curl

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Family Science & Social Work, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
Interests: the relationship between health and engagement (e.g., work, volunteering, caregiving, social participation) of older adults; pet ownership benefits and challenges

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of the human–animal bond has recently increased, with much of the research focusing on the benefits of this interaction. Animal-assisted interventions, animal-assisted therapy, emotional support animals, and pet ownership have been associated with health benefits (including mental health), but the results have been mixed. More research is needed on what types of people benefit most from animal interactions, which types of animal interactions are most beneficial for certain populations, whether there are circumstances under which animal interactions are less beneficial or harmful to health or mental health, etc.

Original manuscripts that address any aspect of the health benefits of human–animal interaction are invited for this Special Issue. Topics of special interest may include (not an exhaustive list):

  • Health/mental health benefits of animal-assisted interventions and animal-assisted therapy;
  • Health/mental health benefits of emotional support animals or companion animals;
  • Interaction with animals and its effects on physical health and/or mental health and wellbeing;
  • Human–animal factors that promote engagement in preventative health behaviors;
  • Grief and loss of companion animals, bereaved clients, and/or human loss;
  • The role of animal/pet ownership in people’s physical or mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Human–animal interactions that are harmful or less beneficial to human health.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Angela Curl
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human–animal interaction benefits
  • pet effect
  • companion animals
  • mental health
  • physical health
  • human–animal bond

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
The Link between the Nature of the Human–Companion Animal Relationship and Well-Being Outcomes in Companion Animal Owners
by Annalyse Ellis, Sarah C. E. Stanton, Roxanne D. Hawkins and Steve Loughnan
Animals 2024, 14(3), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030441 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3215
Abstract
Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding both positive and negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether companion animals provide well-being benefits: [...] Read more.
Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding both positive and negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether companion animals provide well-being benefits: self-expansion (the process of adding positive content to the self through incorporating new resources and perspectives into one’s identity or engaging in novel, exciting activities), perceived pet responsiveness, and perceived pet insensitivity; as well as attachment. We focused on dog and cat owners’ depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect, and loneliness through an online survey with a large sample population (N = 1359). We found that perceived pet insensitivity is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, negative affect, and loneliness; that attachment is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and a significant negative predictor of positive affect; and that self-expansion is a significant positive predictor of positive affect, and a significant negative predictor of loneliness. Loneliness emerged as a mediator in the relationship between perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, self-expansion, and all mental well-being outcome variables. These findings indicate that perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, and self-expansion may play an important yet neglected role in well-being outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
11 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
The Role of Companion Dogs in the VA Maryland Health Care System Whole Health(y) GeroFit Program
by Heidi K. Ortmeyer, Jamie Giffuni, Danielle Etchberger and Leslie Katzel
Animals 2023, 13(19), 3047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193047 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 827
Abstract
GeroFit is a gym-based exercise program that promotes health and wellness among older sedentary veterans. The aims of the current study were to determine whether providing a companion dog as an alternative to gym-based exercise would similarly affect whole health outcomes. A total [...] Read more.
GeroFit is a gym-based exercise program that promotes health and wellness among older sedentary veterans. The aims of the current study were to determine whether providing a companion dog as an alternative to gym-based exercise would similarly affect whole health outcomes. A total of 15 (n = 15) veterans (62 ± 11 years of age; 13 of 15 >54 years of age) underwent physical function testing, completed global and whole health questionnaires, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days before (baseline) and 3 months after a dog came into their home. The participants completed the Pet Attachment Scale (PAS), Dog Owner-Specific Quality of Life (DOQOL), and Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research questionnaires at 3 months. Cardiorespiratory endurance, lower body strength, daily steps, and time spent engaging in moderate physical activity all increased compared to the baseline levels. Body weight decreased among veterans whose body mass index was ≥30 (n = 11). The PAS and DOQOL scores indicated high attachment and positive effects on quality of life after having a dog in the home, with all veterans agreeing that having a dog improved the number of social activities they performed. We conclude that providing a companion dog to veterans not inclined to participate in gym-based exercise is an effective alternative method of promoting health and wellness in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
16 pages, 505 KiB  
Article
Effects of Interactions with Cats in Domestic Environment on the Psychological and Physiological State of Their Owners: Associations among Cortisol, Oxytocin, Heart Rate Variability, and Emotions
by Takumi Nagasawa, Yuichi Kimura, Koji Masuda and Hidehiko Uchiyama
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2116; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132116 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4249
Abstract
Interactions with animals, including cats, is believed to influence human health. However, studies that investigate the psychological and physiological effects of interacting with cats in their household environment are limited. In this remote study, 32 cat owners in Japan participated from June to [...] Read more.
Interactions with animals, including cats, is believed to influence human health. However, studies that investigate the psychological and physiological effects of interacting with cats in their household environment are limited. In this remote study, 32 cat owners in Japan participated from June to October 2021. They completed two tasks, each on separate days in their homes: one simulating daily cat communication (Interaction condition) and another with no interactions (Rest condition). We quantified emotions (arousal level and pleasure level) before and after each condition using the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale Short-term as well as salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels of owners using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Autonomic nervous activity (sympathetic and parasympathetic) was also quantified by heart rate variability analysis. The free interaction with cats decreased emotional arousal and parasympathetic activity, and lead to increased heart rates in owners. There was a positive correlation between heart rate and cortisol concentration, and between cortisol and oxytocin concentration. Furthermore, the frequency of petting the cats was negatively correlated with the rate of change in the parasympathetic activity. In contrast, the parasympathetic nerves in the owners were activated under the Rest condition. Hence, the mechanism of health-enhancing effects of cat ownership includes an arousing effect, in contrast to the previously proposed stress-reduction effect. This result can aid in future developments in cat–human relationship studies. However, a detailed study with a larger sample size is needed to draw definite conclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
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14 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Fur, Fin, and Feather: Management of Animal Interactions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities
by Wendy Newton, Tania Signal and Jenni A. Judd
Animals 2022, 12(24), 3591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243591 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1727
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been occurring in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) for more than 40 years and may relieve loneliness and improve quality of life. The presence of animals in RACF poses an inherent risk to residents and the animals involved. [...] Read more.
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been occurring in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) for more than 40 years and may relieve loneliness and improve quality of life. The presence of animals in RACF poses an inherent risk to residents and the animals involved. Little is known about the policies and guidelines for including animals in the Australian RACF. We anticipated that most RACFs would have some policies, but they may lack the detail necessary to keep humans and animals safe. Using an adapted survey, we surveyed and interviewed a small but representative sample of Australian RACF managers. The results demonstrated that RACF did have animal policies; however, the content regarding the need for hand washing, infection prevention, and animal welfare was lacking. Including unregulated family pets in RACF was an unexpected additional risk factor identified during data analysis. There is a need for national guidelines tied to the national aged care policy, which includes training and educational resources for RACF and AAI providers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
13 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
Reducing Anxiety and Stress among Youth in a CBT-Based Equine-Assisted Adaptive Riding Program
by Kimberly Hoagwood, Aviva Vincent, Mary Acri, Meghan Morrissey, Lauren Seibel, Fei Guo, Chelsea Flores, Dana Seag, Robin Peth Pierce and Sarah Horwitz
Animals 2022, 12(19), 2491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192491 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2547
Abstract
Reining in Anxiety (RiA) is a therapeutic program for youth with mild to moderate anxiety delivered in a therapeutic riding setting by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. RiA was developed after a review of the evidence base for youth anxiety, is manualized, and includes [...] Read more.
Reining in Anxiety (RiA) is a therapeutic program for youth with mild to moderate anxiety delivered in a therapeutic riding setting by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. RiA was developed after a review of the evidence base for youth anxiety, is manualized, and includes five core CBT components: in vivo exposure, cognitive restructuring, youth psychoeducation, relaxation, and caregiver psychoeducation about anxiety. This study extended findings from a prior RCT that examined (1) the feasibility of collecting saliva samples from horses and children to measure stress (cortisol) and relaxation (oxytocin); (2) whether changes in stress and relaxation occurred both during each lesson and over the course of the 10-week intervention for horses and youth; (3) whether changes in anxiety symptoms, emotional regulation, and self-efficacy found in the first trial were comparable; and (4) if fidelity to the program was reliable. Youth participants (n = 39) ages 6–17 with caregiver-identified mild-to-moderate anxiety participated in a ten-week therapeutic intervention (RiA), which combined adaptive riding and components of CBT. Physiological data and self-report measures were taken at weeks one, four, seven, and ten for the youth and horses. Saliva assays assessed cortisol as a physiological marker of stress and anxiety, and oxytocin as a measure of relaxation. Fidelity data were recorded per session. Anxiety, as measured by caregiver self-reporting, significantly decreased from pre- to post-test, while emotional regulation scores increased. No significant changes in self-efficacy from pre- to post-test were observed. Saliva samples obtained from participants before and after riding sessions showed a consistent decrease in cortisol and a significant increase in oxytocin at two of the four timepoints (Week 1 and Week 7), but no overall pre- to post-test changes. Horse saliva data were collected using a modified bit; there were no significant changes in oxytocin or cortisol, suggesting that the horses did not have an increase in stress from the intervention. RiA may be a promising approach for reducing anxiety and stress among youth, as measured both by self-reported and by physiological measures. Collection of salivary assays for both youth and horses is feasible, and the intervention does not increase stress in the horses. Importantly, RiA can be delivered by adaptive/therapeutic horseback riding instructors in naturalistic (e.g., non-clinic-based) settings. As youth anxiety is a growing public health problem, novel interventions, such as RiA, that can be delivered naturalistically may have the potential to reach more youth and thus improve their quality of life. Further research is needed to examine the comparative value of RiA with other animal-assisted interventions and to assess its cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
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10 pages, 254 KiB  
Commentary
Issues Regarding the Welfare of Assistance Dogs
by Amanda Salmon, Carlie Driscoll, Mandy B. A. Paterson, Paul Harpur and Nancy A. Pachana
Animals 2022, 12(23), 3250; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233250 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2985
Abstract
While the roles and efficacy of assistance animals have received attention in the literature, there has been less research focused on animal welfare issues regarding assistance animals. This is a pertinent area, given the burgeoning of types of assistance animals, situations in which [...] Read more.
While the roles and efficacy of assistance animals have received attention in the literature, there has been less research focused on animal welfare issues regarding assistance animals. This is a pertinent area, given the burgeoning of types of assistance animals, situations in which they are employed, and access issues arising from increased assistance animal engagement. Animal welfare as pertains to assistance animals is discussed in this paper with respect to overall research on animal welfare concerns in a variety of contexts, training and access issues, and legal and regulatory concerns. Relevant examples from global contexts, as well as the specific Australian context, are offered. Conclusions include that while human quality of life is often considered and protected in laws and policies, this is much less true for assistance animals. Additional attention is required to ensure that the quality of life of both persons with disabilities and their assistance animals can be ensured. Support for a person to meet the needs of an assistance animal, as well as considerations for keeping such working dyads together in changed circumstances (e.g., following a move to an assisted living mode of accommodation), are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Human–Animal Interactions)
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