Brief History of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Animals have proven to play a significant role in humans’ lives throughout history. Dogs and cats have been recorded to be present with humans from over 14,000 years ago, however in this period, it is assumed companion animals were used for practical reasons. Human implemented breeding practices of animals throughout the millennia resulted in behavioural traits selected that associated with human social interaction, suggesting that companion animals established strong connections with their masters (Akey et al, 2010) [1]
The first documented occurrence of AAT was in 1792 in a York Retreat (asylum) in England, during which farm animals were incorporated (e.g. rabbits and chickens) into treatment …show more content…
[22].
Acknowledging the difference between ‘Animal Assisted Therapy’ (AAT) and ‘Animal Assisted Activities’ (AAA)
The Delta Society define AAT as a ‘goal-directed intervention with measured progress, where animals are an integral component of treatment and therapy is directed and/or facilitated by a health or human services professional. {2). AAT thus sets specific therapeutic objectives and is part of a highly specific treatment plan, whereas AAA are more spontaneous, involving casual interactions between a broader range of individuals and appropriate animals. Visiting a nursing home as a volunteer is an example of AAA, whereas running a social skills programme for vulnerable youth can be an example of AAT.
Other types of programmes used include Equine Assistance Therapy (EAT), farm-based programmes and Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT). Collectively, animal-assisted modalities are referred to as ‘Animal-Assisted Interventions’.
Leading Hypotheses behind the use of Animal-assisted Interventions (AAI)
The Biophilia …show more content…
Skills such as development of social skills and emotional and behavioural self-control are frequently taught in AAI as animals have the capability of promoting cognitive and behavioural changes in people through observation and modelling (key aspects of the social learning theory) in addition to shifting attention away from stressful stimuli, allowing exposure rather than avoidance, of these stimuli (Brickel, 1982) [2].Kruger & Serpell (2006) suggested that participants of AAI dog training will exhibit independence in the role of trainer which will lead to them developing a new positive self-image, thus these associated positive behaviours can be generalised to other areas of their lives.
Learning Theory
Put forward by Brickel to explain possible anti-anxiolytic benefits of animals in therapy. If the actiity is pleasurable for the patient, this is self-reinforcing and their new positive cognitions and actions are more likely to re-occur in future situations. Brickel argues therefore that AAI are more beneficial than traditional therapy as unpleasant situations, such as uncomfortable visits to the therapist can result in withdrawal or avoidance behaviour which is negative reinforcement as their avoidance induces less exposure to painful or anxiety-provoking
Animals have proven to play a significant role in humans’ lives throughout history. Dogs and cats have been recorded to be present with humans from over 14,000 years ago, however in this period, it is assumed companion animals were used for practical reasons. Human implemented breeding practices of animals throughout the millennia resulted in behavioural traits selected that associated with human social interaction, suggesting that companion animals established strong connections with their masters (Akey et al, 2010) [1]
The first documented occurrence of AAT was in 1792 in a York Retreat (asylum) in England, during which farm animals were incorporated (e.g. rabbits and chickens) into treatment …show more content…
[22].
Acknowledging the difference between ‘Animal Assisted Therapy’ (AAT) and ‘Animal Assisted Activities’ (AAA)
The Delta Society define AAT as a ‘goal-directed intervention with measured progress, where animals are an integral component of treatment and therapy is directed and/or facilitated by a health or human services professional. {2). AAT thus sets specific therapeutic objectives and is part of a highly specific treatment plan, whereas AAA are more spontaneous, involving casual interactions between a broader range of individuals and appropriate animals. Visiting a nursing home as a volunteer is an example of AAA, whereas running a social skills programme for vulnerable youth can be an example of AAT.
Other types of programmes used include Equine Assistance Therapy (EAT), farm-based programmes and Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT). Collectively, animal-assisted modalities are referred to as ‘Animal-Assisted Interventions’.
Leading Hypotheses behind the use of Animal-assisted Interventions (AAI)
The Biophilia …show more content…
Skills such as development of social skills and emotional and behavioural self-control are frequently taught in AAI as animals have the capability of promoting cognitive and behavioural changes in people through observation and modelling (key aspects of the social learning theory) in addition to shifting attention away from stressful stimuli, allowing exposure rather than avoidance, of these stimuli (Brickel, 1982) [2].Kruger & Serpell (2006) suggested that participants of AAI dog training will exhibit independence in the role of trainer which will lead to them developing a new positive self-image, thus these associated positive behaviours can be generalised to other areas of their lives.
Learning Theory
Put forward by Brickel to explain possible anti-anxiolytic benefits of animals in therapy. If the actiity is pleasurable for the patient, this is self-reinforcing and their new positive cognitions and actions are more likely to re-occur in future situations. Brickel argues therefore that AAI are more beneficial than traditional therapy as unpleasant situations, such as uncomfortable visits to the therapist can result in withdrawal or avoidance behaviour which is negative reinforcement as their avoidance induces less exposure to painful or anxiety-provoking