Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis
Licensed under
| Category | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Abstract |
We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for reducing depressive symptoms in humans. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to demonstrate random assignment, include a comparison/control group, use AAA or AAT, use a self-report measure of depression, and report sufficient information to calculate effect sizes, a statistical standardization of the strength of a treatment effect. Five studies were identified for analysis. The aggregate effect size for these studies was of medium magnitude and statistically significant, indicating that AAA/AAT are associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This analysis revealed gaps in the research on AAA/AAT, which we attempted to identify in order to better understand the factors that make AAA and AAT effective at reducing depression. |
| Date | 2007 |
| Publication Title | Anthrozoos |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 167-180 |
| ISBN/ISSN | 0892-7936 |
| DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175303707X207954 |
| Language | English |
| Author Address | Department of Psychology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5106, USA.Michelle.Miller@nau.edu |
| Cite this work |
Researchers should cite this work as follows: |
| Tags | |
| Badges |
