1. Demonstrating the Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Presented by: Katherine Brown, Lindsey Swanson & Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist

2. Key Terms Human/Animal Bond Animal-Assisted Activities
Animal-Assisted Therapy

3. Theoretical Background
Biochemical Theories
Learning Theories
Social Cognitive Theories
Social Theories
*Attachment Theory*

4. Previous Efforts Early and Anecdotal Accounts Empirical Studies
- Quakers and the York Retreat
- Rehab for WWI veterans
- Dr. Boris Levinson
Empirical Studies
- Friedmann, Katcher, Lynn, & Thomas (1980)
- Studies with a Focus on Developmental Disabilities

5. Current Study Hypothesis: Purpose:
Participants engaging in specific therapeutic interventions with a live therapy animal will improve on the behavioral domains above and beyond that of participants receiving extra therapeutic time with a human caretaker.
Purpose:
To examine the impact of animal assisted therapy on overall functioning in adults with intellectual disabilities

6. Methods - Participants
20 adults
13 female, 7 male
age range: years, Mage = 26.95, SD = 9.87
All participants diagnosed with an intellectual disability to some degree

7. Methods - Measures
Measurement of Pet Intervention (MOPI; Schiro-Geist, 2001)
Eight questions assessing 4 behavioral dimensions:
Attention span
Physical movement
Communication
Compliance
Two components: general level/quality & time/frequency
Cronbach’s Alpha =

8. Methods - Procedures
Staff members completed 2 MOPIs for all participants, one prior to intervention and one post-intervention
Three groups were developed: 2 intervention groups and 1 control group
- Modification: 2 groups after 6 weeks
The intervention was conducted for 20 minute sessions, twice weekly for eight weeks

9. Intervention 8-week manualized AAT program Week 1:
Therapeutic goals- Rapport-building; Play
Day 1 Activities- Petting; Ring Around the Rosy
Day 2 Activities- Petting; Object Toss
Week 2:
Therapeutic goals- Pet Care; Grooming
Day 1 Activities- Brush + Treat
Day 2 Activities- Walk Preparation

10. Intervention Week 3: Therapeutic Goals- Language; Commands
Day 1 Activities- Basic Dog Commands
Day 2 Activities- Play Tambourine
Week 4:
Therapeutic Goals- Safety; Etiquette
Day 1 Activities- Walk Outdoors
Day 2 Activities- Encounter Others

11. Data Analysis & Results
Correlations were inconclusive
MANOVA – both groups improved over time with no significant differences between groups
Results show no adverse effects on participants
Anecdotal reports

12. Limitations & Implications
Inconsistency of attendance
Difficulty in providing a manualized program within a dynamic summer program
Difficulty in keeping treatment and control groups separated
Implications
The use of AAT for adults with intellectual disabilities may be an alternative and effective form of treatment

13. References
Chandler, C. K. (2012). Animal assisted therapy in counseling (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge. Fine, A. H. (2010). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (3rd ed.). Boston: Academic Press. Friedmann, E., Katcher, A. H., Lynch, J. J., & Thomas, S. A. (1980). Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Reports, 95,

14. References
Hooker, S. D., Freeman, L. H., & Stewart, P. (2002). Pet therapy research: A historical review. Holistic Nursing Practice, 17, Martin, F., & Farnum, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, Heimlich, K. (2001). Animal-assisted therapy and the severely-disabled child: A quantitative study. Journal of Rehabilitation, 67,

15. References
Lind, N Animal assisted therapy activities to motivate and inspire. Lombard, IL: PYOW Publishing, Ink. Nimer, J., & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis. Anthrozoos, 20, Retrieved September 16, 2008, from the Academic OneFile database.

16. Questions?