Start Date
17-11-2017 10:00 AM
End Date
17-11-2017 11:30 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Mental health illness is on the rise amongst children in the United States. Research is still underway about alternative forms of therapy to provide to this vulnerable population. One of the alternative therapies utilized is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT).
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of AAT on children whom have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted to include primary research that was peer reviewed, and completed within the last ten years. Data synthesis and analysis was completed to identify themes within the literature. The themes were then put into subgroups and analyzed.
Results: The commonly identified mental health disorders among children that were examined were anxiety, depression, and socialization issues. Studies showed symptom improvements amongst the subjects with each given diagnoses and AAT was implemented in a variety of settings.
Conclusion: The theme that exists among the articles reviewed is that there is a need for further evidence in the effects of AAT on children with mental health conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate how long the positive effects of AAT last, the amount of therapy needed to produce a durable effect, and ways to extend the benefits beyond the therapy setting.
Keywords: Animal-Assisted Therapy, mental health, children, anxiety-relief, socialization
Included in
Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy Among Children with Mental Health Disorders
Abstract
Background: Mental health illness is on the rise amongst children in the United States. Research is still underway about alternative forms of therapy to provide to this vulnerable population. One of the alternative therapies utilized is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT).
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of AAT on children whom have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted to include primary research that was peer reviewed, and completed within the last ten years. Data synthesis and analysis was completed to identify themes within the literature. The themes were then put into subgroups and analyzed.
Results: The commonly identified mental health disorders among children that were examined were anxiety, depression, and socialization issues. Studies showed symptom improvements amongst the subjects with each given diagnoses and AAT was implemented in a variety of settings.
Conclusion: The theme that exists among the articles reviewed is that there is a need for further evidence in the effects of AAT on children with mental health conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate how long the positive effects of AAT last, the amount of therapy needed to produce a durable effect, and ways to extend the benefits beyond the therapy setting.
Keywords: Animal-Assisted Therapy, mental health, children, anxiety-relief, socialization