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AVBS
1003
 Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and give examples of how human and animal health are related
2. Evaluate results and conclusions in the field of animal research

AVBS
1003
AVBS
1003
ANTHROZOOLOGY II
 Animal-assisted therapy

Often referred to as AAT

 Pet-therapy

Nothing new

Dogs tend to be the most

common
AVBS
1003
 Relationship Status: Its Complicated
 Human-pet relationship doesn’t affect everyone in the same way

 Some relationships are likely to be more/less rewarding

AVBS
1003
 Mental health in adults
 Social support from pets

 Can make a person feel more relaxed and decrease stress

 Similar benefits to that of friends and family

 Can encourage more social interactions with people

 Can reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness

AVBS
1003
 Mental health in adults
 Care-taking role often suggested
 Pets may give older adults a sense of responsibility and purpose

 Previous Lecture: Neither length of time of having a dog/cat nor the level of
attachment influenced performance abilities

 Reduced levels of pain

 Fewer doctor visits

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1003
 Mental health in adults

In a study environment limited to people who like

animals, AAT may be an effective treatment for
mental and behavioural disorders such as
depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol/drug
addictions

AVBS
1003
 Mental health in children
 Children and pets
 In many countries greater than 40% of
homes house a pet dog

 Children the most likely victims of dog

attacks

 2008 Australian study found that:

 Pets were less likely in households
with young children (birth to 4 years
old)
 Likelihood of a pet in a family
increased with age of the children
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1003
 Mental health in children
 In the absence of siblings, research shows that pets can help children develop:
 Greater empathy
 Higher self-esteem
 Increase participation in social and physical activities

 Short-term companions
 Animals have been used to provide companionship to individuals with mental health
problems

 Inconsistent results

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1003
 Mental health

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1003
 Mental health
 Dolphins

 Birds

 Farm animals

 Other
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1003
 Impact on mental health

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1003
 Impact on mental health

Stress associated with work

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1003
 Impact on mental health
• Stress associated with day to day living

AVBS
1003
 Impact on mental health
• Stress associated with day to day living

AVBS
1003