bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a therapy dog program on the wellbeing of older veterans living in a long term care residence
Authors: Anne Dell Colleen , Chalmers Darlene , Gillett James , Steeves Megan , Rohr Betty , Fornssler Barbara , Husband Alicia , Iwajomo Oluwatomisin , Nickel Chelsea
Published: October 2022

Current health care practices do not adequately meet the health needs of older adult war veterans. Increasingly, animal assisted interventions (AAIs) are being identified as potentially beneficial for this population. To explore this, this study, informed by a One Health framework, measured the outcomes of the
St. John Ambulance
(
SJA
)
Therapy Dog Program
on the wellbeing of older adults at a Veterans Affairs Canada residence in Saskatchewan, Canada. Over a 13 week period, two groups of veterans, of 8 and 10 in number respectively, who were living at the residence were purposively selected to participate in weekly individual and group therapy dog visits. The type of visit varied according to the level of cognition of the veteran, with lower level individuals visiting in a group format. A modified instrumental case study design was applied incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including questionnaires, focus groups, case history, and observation. Quantitative measures were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative measures were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a positive influence of therapy dogs on memory recollection and reminiscence among veterans; positive health impacts on veteran wellbeing as understood through the significance of the therapy dog team encounter; and, perceived meaningful support from the therapy dog handlers and love and support from the therapy dogs. The analysis is contextualized within the growing literature on AAIs and contributes important insights to adequately meeting the needs of older adult war veterans, and potentially for the increasing population of recent war veterans. Additionally, key policy, practice, and research recommendations are proposed, including further investigation of therapy dog visits.
Perceptions of a therapist using animal assisted therapy in an analogue brochure study: Is there a halo effect?
Authors: Blazina Chris , Kogan Lori
Published: October 2022

Animal assisted therapy (AAT) involves the integration of an animal (usually a dog or horse) in a clinical setting as part of treatment for a broad range of presenting problems involving emotional distress, trauma, and stress related issues. The use of ATT by therapists is on the rise. Our analogue study was designed to explore the impact a counselor’s purported use of ATT had on how they were perceived as measured by the Counselor Rating Form–Short Version (CRF-S). That is, would subjects who examined a brochure about counseling services provided by a factitious therapist rate the therapist more positively when it was stated, “Dr. Smith” provided animal assisted therapy and was accompanied by a picture of the therapy dog present in his/her office. To explore these hypotheses, two therapy brochures were developed one with and without the mention of the therapist’s integration of ATT and accompanying therapy dog. The results from our analogue brochure study found that a therapist described as utilizing AAT (which was punctuated by having a picture of the therapy dog in the office) was perceived as significantly more attractive and trustworthy, but not different in terms of being more expert-like. Therapists need to pay special attention to how clients may experience the therapist-therapy dog dyad over the course of treatment. There may be a potential halo effect that is bestowed on either the therapy dog or therapist, and/or on the team consisting of the therapeutic dyad. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Household Cats and Children’s Mental Health
Authors: Riley Moira R. , Gibb Bonita , Gadomski Anne
Published: October 2022

Despite household cats being the second most popular household pet in the United States, little is known about how cat ownership affects children’s development. Although household cats are generally believed to have a positive effect on adult health there are potential risks and benefits of cat ownership for children. This study is a secondary analysis of the data presented in
Gadomski et al. (2015)
and considers the effects of household cat ownership on parent’s report of children’s mental health using data from a cross sectional survey of parents with 4-10 year old children attending a rural pediatric clinic (n=643). Parents provided information on household pet ownership and rated children’s mental health. After controlling for child age, poverty, and parent depression, household cat ownership was associated with more attention problems (b=1.38, SE=.53, p<.01). Although this association does not imply causality, our results suggest the need for future research regarding the relationship between household cat ownership and children’s mental health.
Therapeutic horseback riding as a complementary intervention for military service members with PTSD
Authors: Lanning Beth A. , Wilson Amelia L. , Woelk Robert , Beaujean A. Alexander
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and potential effectiveness of an 8-week therapeutic horseback riding [THR] program for veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Eighty-nine military service members diagnosed with PTSD participated in either the THR group (n = 51) or the comparison group (n = 38). Group mean score differences in PTSD and depression symptoms, quality of life, functioning and disability scores were compared at baseline, 4 weeks, and post intervention. THR participants reported clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD (-13.02 points) and depression (-7.65 points) symptoms and mental health scores (+ 9.61 points) overtime. In comparison, change in comparison group mean scores indicated less improvement in the same variables. Group differences in PTSD and depression symptom scores and mental health scores increased pre to post intervention, resulting in a moderate to large effect size (g = -0.43 to 0.62). Two-month follow-up reflected sustained improvement in key variables. Outcomes of the study support the potential effectiveness of THR as complementary intervention for military service members with combat-related PTSD.
Fostering a More Humane University Environment Through Course Work, Service-Learning, and Animal-Assisted Interventions and Activities
Authors: Fine Aubrey H. , Tedeschi Philip , Mackintosh Teal , Boone Jane
Published: October 2022

Advisory Board Member - Institute for the Human-Animal Connection

Incorporating coursework on animal-assisted interventions and human animal interactions has become a viable option for students in higher education. These educational opportunities appear to enhance the quality of education the students receive as well as improve the experience of students struggling to transition to a college environment. The article focuses on some the benefits that are derived including service learning opportunities, animal visitation programs, and curriculums focusing on human animal interactions.
Canine Complements to Psychological First Aid
Authors: Eaton-Stull Yvonne , Sewall Craig
Published: October 2022

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a well-established, evidence-informed behavioral health intervention designed for use by mental health and other disaster-relief responders to help support survivors following a disaster. Establishing connections, supporting adaptive coping, enhancing emotional and physical comfort, and providing practical assistance are some of the basic objectives of PFA. Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is another intervention frequently employed to help survivors following a disaster. AACR consists of teams of canines and their handlers specially trained and certified to provide comfort and support to those affected by disaster events. We suggest that AACR is an appropriate and useful supplement to PFA that can enhance the PFA-providers’ abilities to accomplish the objectives of PFA mentioned above. We combine supporting evidence of the benefits of canine intervention, along with specific case examples, with the eight modules of PFA to illustrate how they complement one another.
The Relationship Between Humane Interactions with Animals, Empathy, and Prosocial Behavior among Children
Authors: Wice Matthew , Goyal Namrata , Forsyth Nicole , Noel Karly , Castano Emanuele
Published: October 2022

We investigated the relationship between empathy, prosocial behavior, and frequency of humane interactions with animals among 3
rd
grade children (n = 158). We measured the frequency of humane interactions with animals via the Children’s Treatment of Animals Questionnaire (
Thompson & Gullone, 2003
), empathy via the Bryant Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents (
Bryant, 1982
), and prosocial behavior via teachers’ evaluations of children’s helpfulness towards others in the classroom. Results showed that children who had more frequent interactions with animals that involved a strong element of companionship reported greater empathy, and that this, in turn, related positively to prosocial behavior (measured by teacher’s report). A mediational model in which empathy accounts for the effect of positive interactions with animals on prosocial behavior provides consistent, if not conclusive, support for the relationship between interacting with animals and socio-emotional development.
Psychophysiological effects of human-dog interaction in university students exposed to a stress-induced situation using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).
Authors: Martos-Montes Rafael , Ordóñez-Pérez David , Ruiz-Maatallah Jesús , Martínez-Cobos Miriam
Published: October 2022

Enjoying the company of a good-natured dog can lend support to a person in a stressful situation. This presence brings benefits across different areas of human well-being and leads to a decrease in levels of sympathetic activation and subjective distress which are triggered in social anxiety situations. This study seeks to provide evidence of these benefits relative to physiological variables—heart rate and blood pressure—as well as a subjective variable, namely anxiety. Thirty-six university students (80% female, M=22.4, SD=4,32) exposed to a stress-induced situation using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) participated in the study. This type of scenario produces an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective anxiety levels. The decline in these variable levels was assessed based on whether the participants were alone or accompanied by a friendly dog. Through random selection, half of the students could pet the animal during the stress-induced phase (experimental group), whereas the other half had a toy dog to hold (control group). The levels of all three dependent variables were recorded at three different stages: the pretest relaxation phase, the stress- and anxiety-induced test phase, and the relaxation or return-to-calm posttest phase. The results revealed that the dog’s presence during the test phase considerably reduced the levels of anxiety and heart rate experienced by the experimental group participants compared to the control group. No significant differences in blood pressure were observed between both groups during this phase. The results of this research coincide with earlier studies that report on the beneficial effects of human–animal interaction, while highlighting the importance of analyzing this interaction in the field of psychology.
Do Domestic Cats (
Felis silvestris catus
) infer Reputation in Humans after Direct and Indirect Experience?
Authors: Leete Jessica , Vonk Jennifer , Oriani Silvia , Eaton Taryn , Lieb Jennifer
Published: October 2022

Although felids in general tend to be relatively asocial, domestic cats live closely with humans and other domestic species and thus, might be expected to respond to cues indicating, for example, the reputation of others. Furthermore, recent research with other less social species suggests that social learning is not unique to group-housed animals. Therefore, here we tested seven cat dyads with one cat interacting directly with unfamiliar humans, and another indirectly observing the interactions, to determine whether they would learn the ‘friendly’ and ‘aggressive’ reputations of the unfamiliar humans. Cats did not show a tendency to interact less, or more cautiously, with aggressive experimenters based on contact duration and latency to approach. Cats that observed the interactions indirectly spent more time near both experimenters and approached more quickly on test trials compared to cats that directly interacted with the experimenters, but this may have been due to spending more time crated between trials. We hesitate to conclude that cats are incapable of inferring reputation based on this small sample. It is possible that cats would behave more discriminately if tested in familiar environments.
“We Lost a Member of the Family”: Predictors of the Grief Experience Surrounding the Loss of a Pet
Authors: Behler Anna Maria C. , Green Jeffrey D. , Joy-Gaba Jennifer
Published: October 2022

Pets play an important role in their owners’ lives and are often viewed as family members. However, research on human-animal relationships suggests that pet owners often receive relatively less emotional support when experiencing grief after the death of a beloved pet, a phenomenon known as disenfranchised grief. In this internet-based survey study, we explored how people experienced grief surrounding the loss of their pets, and how this experience mirrors emotions that result from the death of a human loved one. We examined how factors such as anthropomorphism, attachment to a pet, and social support influence the grief experience. We also explored how feelings of guilt and shame play a role when grieving the loss of a pet. We found that grief over the loss of a pet is similar to grieving a human loved one in large part due to the anthropomorphic qualities attribute that owners attribute to their pets. Avenues for future exploration of the psychological impact of pet ownership are discussed.
Personality Traits and Owner-Dog Attachment in a Canadian Sample
Authors: Ryan Morag G. , Storey Anne E. , Anderson Rita E. , Walsh Carolyn J.
Published: October 2022

Much of the literature on owner-dog attachment and the influence of personality on the owner-dog relationship has originated in Europe, with few studies in North America. To address this imbalance, 29 owner-dog dyads from a Canadian population were tested in the Strange Situation Test (SST) and owners completed assessments of their own personalities (NEO-FFI-3), the personalities of their dogs (MCPQ-R), and their level of attachment to their dogs (DAQ). Attachment scores were comparable to those in previous research, and all owner-dog dyads were deemed to be securely attached. However, no predicted “matching” of seemingly analogous personality traits (e.g., human and dog Neuroticism) was found, and there was no relationship between dog personality and attachment behaviours during the SST. In contrast, owners with higher Extraversion scores initiated more contact with their dogs in the first reunion episode of the SST (following separation). Owners scoring low on Openness and/or Neuroticism had dogs with higher scores for Training Focus, suggesting that these dogs could more easily attend to a calm, stable owner. Owners who scored high in Openness had dogs with lower Amicability scores, possibly indicating more tolerance of a less desirable dog trait by such owners. Differences between the findings of this study and those conducted in Europe suggest that more emphasis should be given to the possible impact of cultural variation on the behaviours of and perceived relationships between owners and their dogs.
Best in Show: Public Perceptions of Different Dog Breeds as Service Dogs
Authors: Link Jennifer K. , Wice Matthew
Published: October 2022

Recent research has shed light on the amount of discrimination faced by those who require service dogs (
Mills, 2017
). While most of the research thus far on discrimination against those who use service dogs has pertained to the appearance of the disabled individual, very little has assessed the appearance of the dog in the amount of discrimination an individual faces. The current study aimed to examine the ways in which the breed of dog impacts the way they are viewed as Service Animals. Participants each looked at one picture of a dog, either a Pomeranian, a Pit Bull type dog, or a Labrador Retriever. They then answered a series of five questions about the animals’ legitimacy as a Service Animal. Pomeranians were rated significantly lower on perceived legitimacy than both Labrador Retrievers and Pit Bull type dogs. Additionally, participants rated themselves as the least comfortable around Pit Bull type dogs, regardless of their perceived legitimacy. These findings continue to shed light on the ways that individuals with service dogs are perceived and contributes to the larger body of research surrounding those who are discriminated against for their disability.
Humankind’s Best Friend vs. Humankind’s Best Food: Perceptions of Identifiable Dog vs. Pig Victims
Authors: Gradidge Sarah , Harvey Annelie J. , McDermott Daragh T. , Zawisza Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Current animal victimology and speciesism research has predominantly focussed on anthropocentric speciesism (prejudice favouring humans over animals) and neglects pet speciesism (prejudice favouring pets over non-pets). Moreover, research rarely explores whether identifiability of
animal
victims affects perceptions of them in line with the identifiable (
human
) victim effect. Drawing on speciesism and dehumanization theories, the current experiment addressed these gaps in the literature by comparing 160 adult participants’ perceptions of a dog vs. pig victim of kidnapping. As predicted, a MANOVA confirmed that people feel more empathy for, and are more willing to help, dogs (vs. pigs). Conversely, people expressed greater victim derogation towards pigs (vs. dogs). Participants also displayed more second-hand forgiveness for perpetrators of crime against pig (vs. dog) victims. However, species had no effect on victim blaming and identifiability of the animal victim had no effect on perceptions of the animal, and there were no significant species x identifiability interactions. The current experiment uniquely extends our human-based knowledge to perceptions of dog vs. pig victims and further evidences the existence of pet speciesism. It also highlights that the identifiable (
human
) victim effect may not apply to animal victims, thus distinguishing animal victimology as a distinct area of investigation. Theoretical implications for animal victimology and pet speciesism literature, and practical implications for policy and public perceptions of animal victims, are discussed.
Testing the Psychometric Properties of the Pet Attachment and Life Impact Scale (PALS) Among a Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults
Authors: Tomlinson Camie A. , Matijczak Angela , Pittman Sarah K. , Pham An , McDonald Shelby E.
Published: October 2022

There has been increased research attention on the benefits associated with attachment bonds between humans and their companion animals, such as for human physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life. However, there is a lack of human-animal attachment measures that have been psychometrically evaluated across diverse samples. The current study addressed this gap by testing the psychometric properties of the Pet Attachment and Life Impact Scale (PALS). Our sample included 154 sexual and gender minority emerging adults who had lived with a dog and/or cat in the past year and responded to the PALS regarding a dog or cat (
M
age = 19.34 years,
SDage
= 1.12 years; 37% racial/ethnic minority; 50% gender minority; 98.7% sexual minority). We collapsed the lowest three response options due to low endorsement; to conduct invariance testing, items 11, 20, 28, and 37 were deleted due to high correlations between items. Confirmatory factor analyses found that a modified three-factor model, excluding the Negative Impact items, fit our data best. We found support for strong measurement invariance across gender modality, racial/ethnic majority vs. minoritized groups, participation prior to or after the COVID-19 pandemic onset, and pet type groups. All three PALS factors (Love, Regulation, Personal Growth) were correlated with human social support from friends, and the Love factor was positively associated with emotional comfort from pets, providing evidence of construct validity. Given the potential role of attachment bonds with companion animals in promoting human health and wellbeing, future research should continue to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PALS and measurement equivalence across a broader range of demographic groups to ensure meaningful interpretation of pet attachment scores.
Testing the moderating role of victimization and microaggressions on the relationship between human-animal interaction and psychological adjustment among LGBTQ+ emerging adults
Authors: Tomlinson Camie A. , Murphy Jennifer L. , Williams Joanne M. , Hawkins Roxanne D. , Matijczak Angela , Applebaum Jennifer W. , McDonald Shelby E.
Published: October 2022

Human-animal interaction (HAI) is associated with positive psychological adjustment. Although these benefits are hypothesized to be most pronounced for individuals who experience adversity and compromised social relationships, such as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual/gender minority identities) individuals, this hypothesis has not been tested. The current, cross-sectional study examined whether the strength of the relationship between emotional comfort from companion animals and self-esteem and personal hardiness varies as a function of exposure to LGBTQ+ interpersonal stressors (i.e., victimization, microaggressions). Our sample included 155 LGBTQ+ emerging adults who lived with a dog and/or cat in the past year (Mage = 19.34 years,
SD
= 1.12 years). To test the hypothesis, we conducted simple and multiple moderation analyses. We found evidence that the magnitude of the association between comfort from companion animals and personal hardiness was greater for those who experienced high levels of interpersonal microaggressions. Similarly, victimization moderated the relation between comfort from companion animals and self-esteem. Including victimization and interpersonal microaggressions in the same model resulted in only one significant interaction effect: the relation between comfort from companion animals and self-esteem was positive at high levels of victimization and negative at low levels of victimization. Our results suggest that among LGBTQ+ emerging adults, the benefits of HAI on self-esteem were only present when high levels of victimization were reported. Future research should continue to examine factors that may influence the benefits and risks associated with HAI to identify for whom and under what circumstances HAI is beneficial.
Social Interaction during Dog and Robot Group Sessions for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: the Handler Effect.
Authors: Schuurmans Lonneke GJA , Noback Inge , MGA Schols Jos , Enders-Slegers Marie-Jose
Published: October 2022

As part of an 8-week intervention study in Dutch nursing homes, we used video-analysis to observe the interaction of psychogeriatric participants with either the handler, the stimulus (dog or robot) or other clients during weekly dog, robot (RAI, robot assisted interventions) and control (human facilitator only) group sessions. Additionally, we measured the initiative of the handler to engage participants. Several baseline characteristics, including dementia severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms and medication usage, were recorded as possible confounders.

Participant-handler interaction is increased in all three groups compared to a baseline of no interaction, while inter-client interaction is not. In the dog group participant-handler interaction scores are similar to participant-dog interaction scores, while in the robot group participant-handler interaction scores are significantly lower than participant-robot interaction scores. Handler initiative does not differ between the three groups.

Our results suggest that a handler effect of AAI on social interaction in dementia care does exist and we hypothesize this effect is linked to the required fully embodied, mutual attunement between dog and handler and between dog-handler team and participants. This embodied interaction distinguishes AAI from RAI and when the required attunement is met, AAI can significantly increase the social interaction of people with dementia.
A Transdisciplinary Perspective on Dog-Handler-Client Interactions in Animal Assisted Activities for Children, Youth and Young Adults
Authors: Roma Renata P. S. , Tardif-Williams Christine Yvette , Moore Shannon A. , Bosacki Sandra L.
Published: October 2022

A growing body of research has linked the inclusion of dogs in Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) for children and young adults to a diverse range of positive social emotional and cognitive outcomes. However, many studies have focused exclusively on aspects directly related to dog-client interactions. There is a need to gain a better understanding of how dog-handler teams have been described, conceptualized and incorporated into the analysis in previous research. In addition, few studies have investigated the mutual adjustments inherent to dog-handler-client triadic relationships. This paper explores if and how the unique characteristics of dog-handler teams have been conceptualized and measured in previous studies. First, this paper undertakes a scoping review to map what, if any, characteristics of dogs, handlers, and dog-handler teams have been described and incorporated into the assessment of AAAs from 2004 to 2019 including: demographic characteristics, formal training and certification, handlers’ or dogs’ behavioral and physiological responses to AAAs, handlers’ roles during activities, and configuration of AAA teams. This scoping review also highlights key features of AAA teams requiring further investigation. In addition, this paper proposes the incorporation of a transdisciplinary framework to the analysis of AAAs. Such a holistic framework can inform the field of human-animal interactions by prioritizing a relational and contextual focus to the study of AAAs.
Pet Ownership, Child Anxiety, Child Physical Activity and Mother’s Perception of Children’s Health Status
Authors: Castro Noel David , Lindsey Eric W.
Published: October 2022

This study examined possible connections between pet ownership and children’s health status, as mediated by children’s anxiety and physical activity. A total of 134 mothers with a preschool age child participated in the study. Mothers completed a demographic survey, responded to questions about owning a pet, and reported on their child’s anxiety, physical activity, and physical health status. Mean comparisons revealed that children from households with a pet had lower scores on mother reported anxiety, higher scores on mother reported physical health and psychosocial health, and lower scores on mother reported vulnerability to illness, compared to children from households without a pet. Regression analyses revealed that associations between pet ownership and mother’s reports of children’s physical health and lower vulnerability to illness, but not psychosocial health, remained significant even after accounting for mother education and family income. In addition, the association between pet ownership and child physical health and vulnerability to illness was partially mediated by mother reported child anxiety. The present study supports previous evidence to suggest that pet ownership is associated with better health outcomes for children, and that this link may be accounted for by child anxiety.
Building the Science of Diverse Equine-assisted Services From the Ground Up
Authors: Wood Wendy
Published: October 2022

The aim of this special issue of the
Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin
is to build the scientific bases of distinct types of equine-assisted services from the ground up. I also think of the issue’s aim as breaking new ground. To introduce the issue, I delve into what it means to say that different types of equine-assisted services are indeed distinct. I also identify compelling sources of their distinctiveness and address why their distinctiveness matters a great deal scientifically. In presenting these topics in some depth, I hope to orient readers to the exact nature of the ground-breaking nature of the special issue’s articles.
Adaptive Riding Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Elements for Youth with Anxiety: Fidelity Outcomes
Authors: Seibel Lauren , Seag Dana E.M. , Guo Fei , Morrissey Meghan , Peth-Pierce Robin , Acri Mary , Hamovitch Emily K. , Horwitz Sarah , Hoagwood Kimberly E.
Published: October 2022

Equine-assisted services include novel approaches for treating children’s mental health disorders, one of which is anxiety (
Latella & Abrams, 2019
). Reining in Anxiety is a manualized approach to adaptive riding drawing on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy elements for youth with anxiety. This intervention was delivered by PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) in a randomized pilot study. Fidelity checklists, developed to match the core components of the manualized intervention, were collected by independent observers. Fidelity scores addressed an average of 98.7% of components, well beyond the threshold for high fidelity (e.g. >80%) established in the literature (
Garbancz et al., 2014
). These findings show that the PATH CTRIs trained in the Reining in Anxiety intervention for this study, with supervision and implementation supports, delivered this intervention with high fidelity. This has important implications for expanding access to evidence-based community mental health services beyond traditional clinic settings and providers, and for addressing the gap between the need for and use of evidence-based youth mental health services.
Conceptualization of Psychotherapy Incorporating Equine Interactions in the United States
Authors: Fry Nina Ekholm
Published: October 2022

While several systematic and mapping reviews have been published in the last decade on the psychological effects of interacting with horses in therapy services, little has been written about how licensed mental health therapists in the United States should best understand, describe, and conceptually position interactions with horses within their clinical practice. To this end, a healthcare-aligned conceptualization of equine interactions in psychotherapy and counseling is presented. Drawing from competencies and statements published by the American Counseling Association and the Human-Animal Interaction section of the American Psychological Association, the proposed conceptualization describes interactions with horses during psychotherapy as a technique and enhancement to existing treatment approaches, not as a standalone intervention or therapy. Additionally, the conceptualization aligns with legal and ethical responsibilities, and the professional identity of the licensed mental health therapist. The proposed conceptualization emphasizes the importance of using science-based information about horses so that their role and function in psychotherapy sessions can be more accurately understood. The conceptualization is proposed to have positive effects on the day-to-day practice of licensed mental health therapists in areas such as professional communication, treatment planning and provision, and engagement with healthcare processes such as service coding, reimbursement and insurance. The conceptualization could also be of use in research efforts as it clarifies how horse interactions should be understood in the context of treatment, which, in turn, affects research design. Use of the proposed conceptualization may help safeguard clients, other stakeholders, horses, and the licensed mental health therapists who incorporate interactions with horses in the provision of psychotherapy.
Adaptive Riding Incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Elements for Youth with Anxiety: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Hoagwood Kimberly E. , Acri Mary , Morrissey Meghan , Peth-Pierce Robin , Seibel Lauren , Seag Dana E.M. , Vincent Aviva , Guo Fei , Hamovitch Emily K. , Horwitz Sarah
Published: October 2022

Between 15% to 20% of youth meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety, yet most do not receive treatment due to workforce shortages, under-detection, or barriers that dissuade families from seeking services in traditional settings. Equine-assisted services (EAS) include several promising approaches to reach populations who do not access traditional therapies. Few studies using rigorous methods have been conducted on EAS for youth. This study examined feasibility and outcomes of a 10-session Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based adaptive riding intervention (hereafter called Reining in Anxiety) delivered by trained equine professionals.

Forty-one youth 6-16 years of age were recruited from GallopNYC, an adaptive horseback riding center in the NYC metro area. Youth were randomized to an experimental group (n=22) or services as usual (n=19), a standard adaptive riding group (services as usual or SAU). Severity of anxiety symptoms, anxiety in close relationships, and emotional self-efficacy were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment.

Fidelity to the manual was excellent, ranging from 88.9% to 100%. There was a non-significant trend in the experimental group towards greater improvement with higher number of sessions completed. Youth in the Reining in Anxiety group displayed significant reductions in anxiety (t=4.426,
df=38,
p=0.042) and improvement in emotional self-efficacy at posttest (t=4.132,
df
=38, p=0.049) in comparison to the SAU group. No significant differences were found between groups for anxiety in close relationships.

This study suggests that a CBT-based adaptive riding intervention delivered by non-mental health equine professionals following a detailed manual can reduce youth anxiety symptoms and be delivered with fidelity by riding instructors. These findings have implications for families seeking non-traditional services.
The Effect of Interaction with a Dog on Heart Rate
Authors: Nose Izuru , Masamoto Kaori , Tsuchida Asami , Hayashi Mikiya , Irimajiri Mami , Kakinuma Miki
Published: October 2022

Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is widely used in therapeutic and educational situations. It is necessary to describe the effects of AAI based on objective indices to facilitate the effective use of AAI. We investigated the effects of interacting with a dog on sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activities by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV) using the Lorenz plot method. Participants were thirty-four healthy volunteers (17 females and 17 males, 20-29 years of age), randomly assigned to one of three groups: the dog group, the stuffed dog group, and the plant group. Participants rated their impressions of the target (the dog, the stuffed dog, or the plant) by touching it between task blocks. The participants completed a mood scale in each block, and we measured their heart rate, respiration rate, and skin conductance response. Results indicated that interactions with the dog increased the cardiac sympathetic index of Lorentz plot, skin conductance responses, and “high-arousal and pleasant mood” score compared to the other conditions. These results suggest that short interactions with a dog activate the sympathetic nervous system, which causes an awakening effect.
“My Lifeline is Gone”: An Exploration of the Experiences of Veterans Following the Loss of their Psychiatric Service Dog(s)
Authors: Gibson Maryellen , Chalmers Darlene , Ru Siyu
Published: October 2022

Canadian veterans with PTSD are increasingly accessing psychiatric service dogs as a complementary treatment for their symptoms. Due to the short life span of dogs, however, it is inevitable that these veterans will experience the loss of their PSD either through death, retirement, or relinquishment. This exploratory qualitative study shares the findings from interviews with four veterans who had experienced grief at the loss of a PSD. The themes that emerged suggest that participants experienced a grief cycle: building of a bond with their PSD, a grief response after the loss of their PSD, healing and coping, and a transitional stage when introducing a new PSD into their lives. Recommendations are made for health care professionals working with veterans with psychiatric service dogs and for service dog providers and organizations to better prepare and support their clients leading up to and after the loss of their service dog.
Therapy dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder: Impacts of active versus passive dog engagement
Authors: Tepper Deanna L. , Landry Oriane , Howell Tiffani J. , Stephens Delwyne , Molina Jose , Bennett Pauleen C.
Published: October 2022

The use of animal-assisted interventions as a method of improving symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming increasingly common, with a significant proportion of available literature suggesting improvements in social communication and interaction. Less is known about potential impacts on restricted and repetitive behaviors, motor skills, or executive functions. Furthermore, it is unknown what level of interaction with an animal, if any, is needed to produce improvements. In the current study, the behavior and skills of 16 children diagnosed with ASD, aged 2 to 4 years, were observed when a therapy dog, Muffin, was actively interacting with them, passively present in a classroom, or absent from the classroom. Contrary to expectations, the children actively interacted with the dog only infrequently, and there were no differences across conditions on numerous variables. Muffin’s presence and activity level was only associated with motor skills in the children, with results indicating that the participants were more likely to remain stationary than engage in physical activity when the therapy dog was present, perhaps indicating a global calming effect. The general lack of significant differences suggests that further studies may be necessary to determine exactly which symptoms of ASD respond to animal-assisted interventions, and also to determine optimal treatment dosage and frequency. We contend that the design of animal-assisted intervention may be critical in producing previously reported benefits.
Exploring Benefits of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): A Longitudinal Pilot Study with Adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
Authors: Hoy-Gerlach Janet , Vincent Aviva , Scheuermann Barry , Ojha Mamta
Published: October 2022

While anecdotal accounts describe mental health recovery-related benefits of having Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), to date there have been no studies on such within peer-reviewed journals. This pilot study yields data on how ESAs may facilitate mental health recovery and related benefits for persons with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).Through an ESA placement program, the Hope and Recovery Pet program (HARP), shelter dogs and cats were placed as ESAs with adults (N=11) with SMI. A longitudinal mixed method research design was utilized to explore potential ESA impact. Pre- and post-placement data from participants was collected on depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Biomarker data (saliva analytes assessing oxytocin, cortisol, alpha amylase) were collected before and after ten-minute interactions with ESAs at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Qualitative data was collected twelve months post-placement. Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and loneliness scale scores via the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA), respectively, were found. While not significant, there was a pattern of oxytocin increase and cortisol decrease after ten minutes of ESA interaction. Qualitative data indicated participants attributed their improvements in mental health and well-being to their respective ESAs. Findings underscore the need for continued research on ESA companionship as a mental health recovery support.
Commentary Article: Defining and Supporting High-Quality Telehealth for Patients with Opioid use Disorder: The Promise and Potential Pitfalls of Telehealth Expansion
Authors: Frank Christopher J. , Lin Lewei (Allison)
Published: October 2022

Many patients with opioid use disorders do not receive evidence-based treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic expanded the use of telehealth for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). The uptake of telehealth has been variable, and this uneven expansion has created natural experiments to test assumptions and answer key questions about what improves outcomes for patients with OUD. Many current quality of care measures are not patient centered and do not focus on the practical questions that clinicians face. What criteria should be met before prescribing buprenorphine? Are physical exams necessary? Does the frequency and type of drug testing predict clinical outcomes? Are short check-in visits by phone or video better than less frequent in-person visits? Answering these questions can help define the essential components of high-quality care for patients with OUD. Defining the features of high-quality care can help create guardrails that will help protect our patients from potentially exploitive and ineffective care. Telehealth will likely end up being one additional tool to deliver care, but the scientific questions that can be answered during this period of rapid change can help answer some of the fundamental questions about providing high-quality care—and that will help all our patients, no matter how care is delivered.
Non-catalytic allostery in α-TAT1 by a phospho-switch drives dynamic microtubule acetylation
Authors: Deb Roy Abhijit , Gross Evan G. , Pillai Gayatri S. , Seetharaman Shailaja , Etienne-Manneville Sandrine , Inoue Takanari
Published: October 2022

Spatiotemporally dynamic microtubule acetylation underlies diverse physiological and pathological events. Despite its ubiquity, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the sole microtubule acetylating agent, α-tubulin-N-acetyltransferase-1 (α-TAT1), remain obscure. Here, we report that dynamic intracellular localization of α-TAT1 along with its catalytic activity determines efficiency of microtubule acetylation. Specifically, we newly identified a conserved signal motif in the intrinsically disordered C-terminus of α-TAT1, consisting of three competing regulatory elements—nuclear export, nuclear import, and cytosolic retention. Their balance is tuned via phosphorylation by CDK1, PKA, and CK2, and dephosphorylation by PP2A. While the unphosphorylated form binds to importins and resides both in cytosol and nucleus, the phosphorylated form binds to specific 14-3-3 adapters and accumulates in the cytosol for maximal substrate access. Unlike other molecules with a similar phospho-regulated signal motif, α-TAT1 uniquely uses the nucleus as a hideout. This allosteric spatial regulation of α-TAT1 function may help uncover a spatiotemporal code of microtubule acetylation in normal and aberrant cell behavior.
Inverse moving point source problem for the wave equation
Authors: Al Jebawy Hanin , Elbadia Abdellatif , Triki Faouzi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider the problem of identifying a single moving point source for a three-dimensional wave equation from boundary measurements. Precisely, we show that the knowledge of the field generated by the source at six different points of the boundary over a finite time interval is sufficient to determine uniquely its trajectory. We also derive a Lipschitz stability estimate for the inversion.
Frequency-tunable sound insulation via a reconfigurable and ventilated acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Li Xing , Zhang Haozhe , Tian Hongxing , Huang Yingzhou , Wang Li
Published: October 2022

In acoustic engineering, sound-proofing ventilation barriers find wide applications in diverse situations. However, most of the structures only have responses with fixed frequencies and a very narrow frequency range, especially for low frequency acoustics. Here we show a subwavelength acoustic metamaterial based on labyrinthine structures, which possesses tunable sound insulation and ventilation properties. The Fano-like asymmetric transmission dips is formed by the interference between the resonant scattering of discrete states and the background scattering of continuous states. By adjusting the spacing between these two half zigzag molds, the sound insulation dip frequency can shift from 360 Hz to 575 Hz while the free ventilation area ratio is kept to over 36.3% and the total thickness is only about 0.06λ. Moreover, the noise peak frequency can be detected by a microphone detection and adaptive adjustment of the spacing with a small stepping motor is demonstrated, the results agree well with numerical simulations. We anticipate our design may find potential applications in acoustic air vents, soundproofing window and duct noise control.
Carrier concentration mediated enhancement in thermoelectric performance of various polymorphs of hafnium oxide: a plausible material for high temperature thermoelectric energy harvesting application
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Ramesh , Singh Mukhtiyar , Meena Deshraj , Vij Ankush
Published: October 2022

The optimization of figure of merit by tuning carrier concentrations is an effective way to realize efficient thermoelectrics (TEs). Recently, the feasibility of high p-type carrier concentration (order of ∼1022cm−3) is experimentally demonstrated in various polymorphs of hafnium oxide (HfO2). In light of these studies, using the first-principles calculation combined with the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory and phonon dynamics, we realized high TE performance in various polymorphs of HfO2 in a range of carrier concentrations at high temperatures. The phonon dispersion calculations confirm the dynamical stability of all polymorphs. The observed values of the Seebeck coefficient are 945.27 mV K−1, 922.62 mV K−1, 867.44 mV K−1, and 830.81 mV K−1 for tetragonal (t), orthorhombic (o), monoclinic (m), and cubic (c) phases of HfO2, respectively, at 300 K. These values remain positive at all studied temperatures which ensures the p-type behaviour of HfO2 polymorphs. The highest value of electrical conductivity (2.34 × 1020 Ω−1m−1s−1) observed in c-HfO2 at 1200 K, and the lowest value of electronic thermal conductivity (0.37 × 1015 W mK s−1) observed in o-HfO2 at 300 K. The lattice thermal conductivities at room temperature are 5.56 W mK−1, 2.87 W mK−1, 4.32 W mK−1, and 1.75 W mK−1 for c-, m-, o- and t- HfO2, respectively which decrease to 1.58 W mK−1, 0.92 W mK−1, 1.12 W mK−1, 0.53 W mK−1 at 1200 K for respective phases. The low lattice thermal conductivities lead to the high values of the figure of merit, i.e. 0.97, 0.87, 0.83, and 0.77 at 1200 K for the m-, o-, t-, and c- HfO2, respectively, at the optimized carrier concentrations (∼1021 cm−3). The predicted optimized carrier concentrations for various phases are in close agreement with the experimental reports. The estimated high figure of merit can make HfO2 a potential material for TE energy harvesting applications at elevated temperatures.