bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquiring a Dog and Walking It: A Preliminary Examination of the Possible Physical Activity and Health Benefits
Authors: Duvall Antonacopoulos Nikolina M. , Pychyl Timothy A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In light of the detrimental health consequences associated with insufficient physical activity, there is growing concern about the low percentage of adults who are sufficiently active. Given that some researchers have recommended that acquiring a dog should be promoted as a means of increasing physical activity, this longitudinal study examined whether acquiring a dog and walking it leads to an increase in physical activity. Results revealed that participants in the acquired-dog group (
n
= 17) increased their moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in 10-minute bouts from baseline to 8 months, while there was no change in the control group (
n
= 28). The present study also examined whether, if dog owners become more physically active, this results in health benefits. Although individuals in the acquired-dog group increased their physical activity, they did not experience any improvements in their physical or psychological health over the course of the study relative to the control group. However, it is noteworthy that the majority of the acquired-dog group perceived that acquiring a dog had positively affected their health. Taken together, these findings suggest that acquiring a dog and walking it merits further attention as a way of increasing physical activity and there is a need for additional research on the possible physical activity-related health benefits from dog walking.
Examining the impact of a brief human-canine interaction on stress and attention
Authors: Banks Jonathan B. , McCoy Caitlin , Trzcinski Courtney 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The interaction between humans and canines has been linked to a variety of benefits including reductions in ADHD symptoms in children, depression symptoms in nursing home patients, and PTSD symptoms in veterans returning from war. Although the inclusion of therapy dogs on college campuses has increased over the last few years, little evidence exists demonstrating the effect of canine interaction in these settings. The current study examined the effects of college student’s interactions with therapy dogs during an exam period. Fifty-six students interacted with therapy dogs before or after completing measures of sustained attention, mind wandering, perceived stress, cognitive test anxiety, and state anxiety. Interacting with the therapy dogs reduced state anxiety and resulted in lower perceived stress but did not alter sustained attention task performance or mind wandering. The results suggest that interaction with therapy dogs may help reduce perception of stress and anxiety but may not alter the cognitive functions measured in the current study. Due to the levels of stress that college students experience during exam periods, on-campus therapy dog programs may provide a low, cost effective intervention that universities could implement to benefit their students.
Human-Animal Interaction and Metaphor in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Empirical Support for the EAGALA Model
Authors: Fournier Angela K. , Letson Elizabeth A. , Berry Thomas D. , Pasiuk Emma Leigh 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Research was conducted on equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning (EAP), aimed at identifying and examining process variables. A total of 112 men and women participated in a correlational study, permitting the use of self-report data from EAP sessions within the model of the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Human-animal interaction and metaphor were studied as process variables, while subjective distress and psychosocial learning were investigated as outcome variables. Participants reported a range of interactions between humans and horses, and the quantity of human-animal interaction was a significant predictor of reduced subjective distress. Metaphor data indicated horses most often represented family, friends, or feelings. Analyses suggest the relationship between human-animal interaction and psychosocial learning is mediated by the extent to which horses serve as metaphors for people and issues in the client’s life, providing empirical support for EAGALA’s notion that metaphor is critical to EAP outcomes. Findings are discussed as they relate to developing theory on the role of human-animal interaction in EAP and other animal-assisted therapies.
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

AbstractAdvisory Board Member - Institute for the Human-Animal ConnectionIncorporating 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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractMuch 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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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.