Personalized Strategy for Animal-Assisted Therapy for Individuals Based on the Emotions Induced by the Images of Different Animal Species and Breeds.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to apply the FaceReader technique to select the animal species and breed for a personalized AAT based on the emotions ('neutral', 'happy', 'sad', 'angry', 'surprised', 'scared', 'disgusted', and 'contempt') induced in the persons (18-64 years old) by the images of different animal species and breeds. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (, , , , and ) and their breeds (dogs: Australian shepherd, pug, Labrador retriever, Doberman, miniature schnauzer, beagle, three mixed-breed types, Yorkshire terrier, Cane Corso, Samoyed, and Chihuahua; cats: British shorthair, Himalayan cat, three mixed breed types, Siamese cat, Sphynx, and Bengal cat; horses: Norwegian Fjord, Exmoor pony, Andalusian, and Friesian; pigs: Vietnamese pot-bellied and Kunekune; sheep: Herdwick sheep and Suffolk sheep) were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotions 'neutral' and 'happy' as well as valence, and the animal breed is a significant factor for the emotion 'happy' intensity and valence. The obtained results could be used as a personalized strategy for improving AAT and helping the individuals to select a pet.
Publication Date: 2022-02-27 PubMed ID: 35268166PubMed Central: PMC8909388DOI: 10.3390/ani12050597Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research aimed to identify suitable animal breeds for personal therapy based on the emotional responses of people (aged 18-64) to images of different animals, utilizing the FaceReader technique.
Overview of the Study
- The research used the FaceReader technique to analyze emotional responses to pictures of different animals and breeds. Integrated emotions assessed included ‘neutral’, ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’, ‘surprised’, ‘scared’, ‘disgusted’, and ‘contempt’.
- Images of various animal species and breeds were included in the study. The specific types of animals and breeds incorporated are notably diverse, ranging from dogs and cats to pigs and sheep.
Key Findings
- The study established that the species of animal significantly affects the intensity of ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ emotions and overall positive or negative feelings (valence).
- Furthermore, the breed of the animal was found to play a substantial role in the intensity of the ‘happy’ emotion and valence levels.
Implications of the Study
- The results from this study can be utilized to develop personalized Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) strategies. AAT uses animals to help individuals recover from or better cope with health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and mental health disorders.
- This study provides insights that could assist individuals in selecting a suitable pet, which could, in turn, provide therapeutic benefits.
Limitations of the Study
- One limitation not directly addressed by the abstract is that individual preferences and emotional responses to different animals can greatly vary between individuals, and such responses can be influenced by prior experiences and cultural factors.
- The study’s reliance on images rather than actual interactions with the animals could also limit the application of its findings to real-life scenarios since pictures may not fully encapsulate the emotional connections established through direct contact.
Cite This Article
APA
Luksaite J, Zokaityte E, Starkute V, Sidlauskiene S, Zokaityte G, Bartkiene E.
(2022).
Personalized Strategy for Animal-Assisted Therapy for Individuals Based on the Emotions Induced by the Images of Different Animal Species and Breeds.
Animals (Basel), 12(5), 597.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050597 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Mickeviciaus Str. 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
This article includes 72 references
- Melco AL, Goldman L, Fine AH, Peralta JM. Investigation of Physiological and Behavioral Responses in Dogs Participating in Animal-Assisted Therapy with Children Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2020 Jan-Mar;23(1):10-28.
- Nimer J, Lundahl B. Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Anthrozoös 2007;20:225–238.
- Chandler C.K. Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling. Routledge; New York, NY, USA: 2005. pp. xv, 237.
- Terminology Pet Partners. [(accessed on 16 January 2022)]. Available online: https://petpartners.org/learn/terminology/
- Animal-Assisted Therapy Psychology Today. [(accessed on 16 January 2022)]. Available online: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/animal-assisted-therapy.
- Chang SJ, Lee J, An H, Hong WH, Lee JY. Animal-Assisted Therapy as an Intervention for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis to Guide Evidence-Based Practice.. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2021 Feb;18(1):60-67.
- Jegatheesan B, Beetz A, Ormerod E, Johnson R, Fine A, Yamazaki K, Dudzik C, Garcia RM, Winkle M, Choi G. The IAHAIO Definitions for Animal Assisted Intervention and Guidelines for Wellness of Animals Involved in AAI. International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations; Seattle, WA, USA: 2014. IAHAIO White Paper.
- Marino L. Construct Validity of Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activities: How Important Is the Animal in AAT?. Anthrozoös 2012;25:s139–s151.
- Fine A. Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions. Academic Press; Cambridge, MA, USA: 2015.
- Gee N.R., Fine A.H., McCardle P., editors. How Animals Help Students Learn: Research and Practice for Educators and Mental-Health Professionals. Routledge; New York, NY, USA: 2017.
- Kruger KA, Serpell JA. Animal-Assisted Interventions in Mental Health: Definitions and Theoretical Foundations. In: Fine AH, editor. Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy. 3rd ed. Academic Press; San Diego, CA, USA: 2010. pp. 33–48.
- Redefer LA, Goodman JF. Brief report: pet-facilitated therapy with autistic children.. J Autism Dev Disord 1989 Sep;19(3):461-7.
- Havener L, Gentes L, Thaler B, Megel ME, Baun MM, Driscoll FA, Beiraghi S, Agrawal S. The effects of a companion animal on distress in children undergoing dental procedures.. Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs 2001 Apr-Jun;24(2):137-52.
- Kanamori M, Suzuki M, Yamamoto K, Kanda M, Matsui Y, Kojima E, Fukawa H, Sugita T, Oshiro H. A day care program and evaluation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for the elderly with senile dementia.. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2001 Jul-Aug;16(4):234-9.
- Barker SB, Dawson KS. The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients.. Psychiatr Serv 1998 Jun;49(6):797-801.
- Nagengast SL, Baun MM, Megel M, Leibowitz JM. The effects of the presence of a companion animal on physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children during a physical examination.. J Pediatr Nurs 1997 Dec;12(6):323-30.
- Nathanson DE, de Castro D, Friend H, McMahon M. Effectiveness of Short-Term Dolphin-Assisted Therapy for Children with Severe Disabilities. Anthrozoös 1997;10:90–100.
- Chandler C.K. Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling. 3rd ed. Routledge; New York, NY, USA: 2017.
- Serpell J, McCune S, Gee N, Griffin JA. Current Challenges to Research on Animal-Assisted Interventions. Appl. Dev. Sci. 2017;21:223–233.
- O'Haire ME, Guérin NA, Kirkham AC. Animal-Assisted Intervention for trauma: a systematic literature review.. Front Psychol 2015;6:1121.
- Fredrickson-MacNamara M., Butler K. Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy. Elsevier; Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 2010. Animal Selection Procedures in Animal-Assisted Interaction Programs; pp. 111–134.
- Barba BE. The positive influence of animals: animal-assisted therapy in acute care.. Clin Nurse Spec 1995 Jul;9(4):199-202.
- Berget B, Ekeberg Ø, Braastad BO. Attitudes to animal-assisted therapy with farm animals among health staff and farmers.. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2008 Sep;15(7):576-81.
- Hassink J., Van Dijk M. Farming for Health: Green-Care Farming across Europe and the United States of America. Volume 13. Springer Science & Business Media; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 2006.
- Corsetti S, Ferrara M, Natoli E. Evaluating Stress in Dogs Involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Oct 19;9(10).
- Clark SD, Smidt JM, Bauer BA. Therapy Dogs' and Handlers' Behavior and Salivary Cortisol During Initial Visits in a Complex Medical Institution: A Pilot Study.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:564201.
- Dinis FABS G, Martins TLF. Does Cat Attachment Have an Effect on Human Health? A Comparison between Owners and Volunteers. Pet Behav. Sci. 2016;1:1–12.
- Nagasawa T, Ohta M, Uchiyama H. Effects of the characteristic temperament of cats on the emotions and hemodynamic responses of humans.. PLoS One 2020;15(6):e0235188.
- Serpell J. Beneficial effects of pet ownership on some aspects of human health and behaviour.. J R Soc Med 1991 Dec;84(12):717-20.
- Stammbach KB, Turner DC. Understanding the Human—Cat Relationship: Human Social Support or Attachment. Anthrozoös 1999;12:162–168.
- Turner DC, Rieger G, Gygax L. Spouses and Cats and Their Effects on Human Mood. Anthrozoös 2003;16:213–228.
- Marinelli L, Adamelli S, Normando S, Bono G. Quality of Life of the Pet Dog: Influence of Owner and Dog’s Characteristics. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2007;108:143–156.
- Lönker NS, Fechner K, Wahed AAE. Horses as a Crucial Part of One Health.. Vet Sci 2020 Feb 29;7(1).
- Ajzenman HF, Standeven JW, Shurtleff TL. Effect of hippotherapy on motor control, adaptive behaviors, and participation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study.. Am J Occup Ther 2013 Nov-Dec;67(6):653-63.
- Beinotti F, Christofoletti G, Correia N, Borges G. Effects of horseback riding therapy on quality of life in patients post stroke.. Top Stroke Rehabil 2013 May-Jun;20(3):226-32.
- Benda W, McGibbon NH, Grant KL. Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebral palsy after equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy).. J Altern Complement Med 2003 Dec;9(6):817-25.
- Champagne D, Dugas C. Improving gross motor function and postural control with hippotherapy in children with Down syndrome: case reports.. Physiother Theory Pract 2010 Nov;26(8):564-71.
- Silkwood-Sherer D, Warmbier H. Effects of hippotherapy on postural stability, in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.. J Neurol Phys Ther 2007 Jun;31(2):77-84.
- Sung YH, Kim CJ, Yu BK, Kim KM. A hippotherapy simulator is effective to shift weight bearing toward the affected side during gait in patients with stroke.. NeuroRehabilitation 2013;33(3):407-12.
- Winchester P, Kendall K, Peters H, Sears N, Winkley T. The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on gross motor function and gait speed in children who are developmentally delayed.. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2002;22(3-4):37-50.
- Wollenweber V, Drache M, Schickendantz S, Gerber-Grote A, Schiller P, Pöhlau D. Study of the effectiveness of hippotherapy on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis - Outline of a randomised controlled multicentre study (MS-HIPPO).. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2016 Aug 15;3:6-11.
- Zadnikar M, Kastrin A. Effects of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding on postural control or balance in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis.. Dev Med Child Neurol 2011 Aug;53(8):684-91.
- Gabriels RL, Pan Z, Dechant B, Agnew JA, Brim N, Mesibov G. Randomized Controlled Trial of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder.. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015 Jul;54(7):541-9.
- Meregillano G. Hippotherapy.. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2004 Nov;15(4):843-54, vii.
- Aranda-García S, Iricibar A, Planas A, Prat-Subiran JA, Angulo-Barroso RM. Comparative effects of horse exercise versus traditional exercise programs on gait, muscle strength, and body balance in healthy older adults.. J Aging Phys Act 2015 Jan;23(1):78-89.
- White-Lewis S. Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis.. Nurs Open 2020 Jan;7(1):58-67.
- Berget B. Animal-Assisted Therapy: Effects on Persons with Psychiatric Disorders Working with Farm Animals. Department of Animal and Aquacultural, Norwegian University of Life Sciences; Ås, Norway: 2006.
- Berget B, Skarsaune I, Ekeberg Ø, Braastad BO. Humans with Mental Disorders Working with Farm Animals: A Behavioral Study. Occup. Ther. Ment. Health. 2007;23:101–117.
- Berget B, Ekeberg Ø, Braastad B. Farm Animals in Therapy for Humans with Mental Disorders. Proceedings of the People and animals: A timeless relationship and the 10th International Conference on Human–Animal Interactions; Glasgow, Poland. 6–9 October 2004; pp. 7–9.
- Berget B, Braastad B. Farm Animals in Therapy for Mentally Retarded Persons, a Pilot Study. Proceedings of the Abstracts, 5th International Conference on the Relationship between Humans and Animals; Monaco. 15–18 November 1989.
- Smith CP. Special Reference Briefs. National Agricultural Library; Beltsville, MD, USA: 1993. Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Swine.
- Hassink J, De Bruin SR, Berget B, Elings M. Exploring the Role of Farm Animals in Providing Care at Care Farms.. Animals (Basel) 2017 Jun 2;7(6).
- Kruger K.A., Serpell J.A., Fine A. Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice. Academic Press; Cambridge, MA, USA: 2010.
- Martin F, Farnum J. Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders.. West J Nurs Res 2002 Oct;24(6):657-70.
- Serpell J. Guest Editor’s Introduction: Animals in Children’s Lives. Soc. Anim. 1999;7:87–94.
- Askew C, Cakır K, Põldsam L, Reynolds G. The effect of disgust and fear modeling on children's disgust and fear for animals.. J Abnorm Psychol 2014 Aug;123(3):566-77.
- Bennett-Levy J, Marteau T. Fear of Animals: What Is Prepared?. Br. J. Psychol. 1984;75:37–42.
- Evans J.D. Straightforward Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. Thomson Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.; Belmont, CA, USA: 1996. p. 600.
- Burgdorf J, Panksepp J. The neurobiology of positive emotions.. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2006;30(2):173-87.
- Fredrickson BL. The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.. Am Psychol 2001 Mar;56(3):218-26.
- Seligman ME, Csikszentmihalyi M. Positive psychology. An introduction.. Am Psychol 2000 Jan;55(1):5-14.
- Cloninger CR, Zohar AH. Personality and the perception of health and happiness.. J Affect Disord 2011 Jan;128(1-2):24-32.
- Davis KL, Panksepp J, Normansell L. The Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Normative Data and Implications. Neuropsychoanalysis 2003;5:57–69.
- Lang PJ. The emotion probe. Studies of motivation and attention.. Am Psychol 1995 May;50(5):372-85.
- Ekman P, Davidson RJ, Friesen WV. The Duchenne smile: emotional expression and brain physiology. II.. J Pers Soc Psychol 1990 Feb;58(2):342-53.
- Winkle M, Johnson A, Mills D. Dog Welfare, Well-Being and Behavior: Considerations for Selection, Evaluation and Suitability for Animal-Assisted Therapy.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 23;10(11).
- Stibbe A. As Charming as a Pig: The Discursive Construction of the Relationship between Pigs and Humans. Soc. Anim. 2003;11:375–392.
- Sipos W, Schmoll F, Stumpf I. Minipigs and potbellied pigs as pets in the veterinary practice--a retrospective study.. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2007 Nov;54(9):504-11.
- American Mini Pig Association . Therapy Mini Pig. American Mini Pig Association; Aurora, MO, USA: 2017.
- ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Service Animals. [(accessed on 16 January 2022)]; Available online: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm.
- Mano H, Ogawa I. A Preliminary Study Examining the Feasibility of Mini-Pig Assisted Activity for Elderly People in Nursing Homes in Japan. Springer; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 2018; pp. 573–577.
- Bremhorst A, Mills D. Working with Companion Animals, and Especially Dogs, in Therapeutic and Other AAI Settings. In: Peralta JM, Fine AH, editors. The Welfare of Animals in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Foundations and Best Practice Methods. Springer International Publishing; Cham, Switzerland: 2021. pp. 191–217.
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists