A systematic review of the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions
- Authors: Badenhorst, Estelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021139
- Description: There is a global increase in research on the benefits of animals and the value of incorporating them into interventional practices. This is referred to as animal-assisted interventions. Due to the novelty of this type of intervention and the accompanying complexity of variables, a need exists to explore the various aspects within these interventions. Looking specifically at animal-assisted interventions within the mental health field, this study focuses on the psycho-therapeutic value of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. The primary aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which an animal-assisted intervention exerts its influence. A secondary aim was to indentify salient methodological aspects within the included studies. A systematic review of existing literature was undertaken to explore these factors. Each study was appraised against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and themes were extracted. The data was synthesised, integrated and discussed in relation to previously conducted studies in relevant fields. Six themes emerged from the systematic review. These included enhanced comfort, the living nature of animals, physical contact, adjunctive nature, an affinity for animals, as well as methodological considerations. Based on these emergent themes conclusions were drawn as to the psycho-therapeutic influences of companion animals. This may serve as informative knowledge regarding animal-assisted interventions for practitioners seeking additional methods to reach treatment goals. Information is also provided for researchers interested in the field, particularly methodological considerations, before embarking on a study of animal-assisted intervention efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Badenhorst, Estelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021139
- Description: There is a global increase in research on the benefits of animals and the value of incorporating them into interventional practices. This is referred to as animal-assisted interventions. Due to the novelty of this type of intervention and the accompanying complexity of variables, a need exists to explore the various aspects within these interventions. Looking specifically at animal-assisted interventions within the mental health field, this study focuses on the psycho-therapeutic value of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. The primary aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which an animal-assisted intervention exerts its influence. A secondary aim was to indentify salient methodological aspects within the included studies. A systematic review of existing literature was undertaken to explore these factors. Each study was appraised against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and themes were extracted. The data was synthesised, integrated and discussed in relation to previously conducted studies in relevant fields. Six themes emerged from the systematic review. These included enhanced comfort, the living nature of animals, physical contact, adjunctive nature, an affinity for animals, as well as methodological considerations. Based on these emergent themes conclusions were drawn as to the psycho-therapeutic influences of companion animals. This may serve as informative knowledge regarding animal-assisted interventions for practitioners seeking additional methods to reach treatment goals. Information is also provided for researchers interested in the field, particularly methodological considerations, before embarking on a study of animal-assisted intervention efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of human carnivore conflict in the Kalahari region of Botswana
- Authors: Klein, Rebecca Ann
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Carnivores -- Botswana , Carnivores -- Effect of human beings on -- Botswana , Human-animal relationships , Predatory animals -- Control -- Botswana , Wildlife depredation -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013132
- Description: Human wildlife conflict is a considerable conservation challenge that threatens many carnivore species worldwide and is a result of complex socio-economic and ecological processes. An understanding of the drivers of conflict is essential for any efforts to achieve coexistence. This study investigated the levels of conflict, livestock management and tolerance amongst the farming communities of the Southern and Western Kalahari in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was completed with 310 farmers throughout the region. The majority of respondents regarded coexisting with carnivores as a challenge, with losses due to depredation perceived as the greatest problem facing farmers. Conflict was widespread throughout the study area, with some spatial variations for certain species. Cattle management levels were low and while smallstock management was better, the use of improved levels of management could reduce current levels of conflict. Tolerance levels were generally low with few respondents seeing the benefits of coexistence with carnivore species. The results indicated that farm type, gender, education level, source of income, livestock numbers, location and land use all have an effect on perceived conflict and tolerance levels and strongly interact with each other. In general cattleposts were characterised by higher proportions of females, lower education levels, more benefits derived from wildlife and veld products and fewer livestock than fenced ranches. They also experienced more conflict, carried out more management and had better tolerance levels. It could be that closer connections to the land and deriving benefits from natural resources resulted in more tolerance and this is certainly worth further investigation. An improvement in the use of effective methods of livestock management, targeted environmental education programs to develop a greater awareness for the conservation value of carnivores and a diversification of livelihoods to include benefits from natural resources have the potential to reduce conflict and improve tolerance in the Kalahari region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Klein, Rebecca Ann
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Carnivores -- Botswana , Carnivores -- Effect of human beings on -- Botswana , Human-animal relationships , Predatory animals -- Control -- Botswana , Wildlife depredation -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013132
- Description: Human wildlife conflict is a considerable conservation challenge that threatens many carnivore species worldwide and is a result of complex socio-economic and ecological processes. An understanding of the drivers of conflict is essential for any efforts to achieve coexistence. This study investigated the levels of conflict, livestock management and tolerance amongst the farming communities of the Southern and Western Kalahari in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was completed with 310 farmers throughout the region. The majority of respondents regarded coexisting with carnivores as a challenge, with losses due to depredation perceived as the greatest problem facing farmers. Conflict was widespread throughout the study area, with some spatial variations for certain species. Cattle management levels were low and while smallstock management was better, the use of improved levels of management could reduce current levels of conflict. Tolerance levels were generally low with few respondents seeing the benefits of coexistence with carnivore species. The results indicated that farm type, gender, education level, source of income, livestock numbers, location and land use all have an effect on perceived conflict and tolerance levels and strongly interact with each other. In general cattleposts were characterised by higher proportions of females, lower education levels, more benefits derived from wildlife and veld products and fewer livestock than fenced ranches. They also experienced more conflict, carried out more management and had better tolerance levels. It could be that closer connections to the land and deriving benefits from natural resources resulted in more tolerance and this is certainly worth further investigation. An improvement in the use of effective methods of livestock management, targeted environmental education programs to develop a greater awareness for the conservation value of carnivores and a diversification of livelihoods to include benefits from natural resources have the potential to reduce conflict and improve tolerance in the Kalahari region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The influence of the human-companionate dog bond on psychological well-being
- Authors: Holm, Robyn Janet
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Well-being , Fellowship , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020978
- Description: Many individuals across the world own dogs for a variety of reasons. For some individuals, dogs can be viewed as providing the most important relationship in their lives. Others may own dogs for protection, companionship, and even health benefits. Some families across the world view their dogs as family members and a vital aspect of the family unit. This study explored the perceived bond between a human and a dog and how this bond influenced the human‟s psychological well-being. Although studies have been conducted on the human-companionate dog bond, empirical research on the perceptions of the bond between a dog and a human and the influence it has on an individual‟s psychological well-being, falls short. Studies on the human-companionate bond have been on the rise internationally, yet studies in this field in the South African context are scarce. This study contributes to psychology‟s broad body of knowledge regarding the human-companionate dog bond and identifies the important influences the bond has on human psychological well-being. The researcher utilized a qualitative research approach. A non-probability purposive sample was employed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants. Two participants were male and five were female. All participants had developed a bond with their dog and were able to speak English fluently. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Results demonstrate that having a human-companionate dog bond can enhance an individual's psychological well-being. Themes identified demonstrate that a human-companionate dog bond can enhance physical health, relational well-being, and mental health. This bond also fulfils specific individual needs which enhance psychological well-being. Limitations of the study and recommendations for further research are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Holm, Robyn Janet
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Well-being , Fellowship , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020978
- Description: Many individuals across the world own dogs for a variety of reasons. For some individuals, dogs can be viewed as providing the most important relationship in their lives. Others may own dogs for protection, companionship, and even health benefits. Some families across the world view their dogs as family members and a vital aspect of the family unit. This study explored the perceived bond between a human and a dog and how this bond influenced the human‟s psychological well-being. Although studies have been conducted on the human-companionate dog bond, empirical research on the perceptions of the bond between a dog and a human and the influence it has on an individual‟s psychological well-being, falls short. Studies on the human-companionate bond have been on the rise internationally, yet studies in this field in the South African context are scarce. This study contributes to psychology‟s broad body of knowledge regarding the human-companionate dog bond and identifies the important influences the bond has on human psychological well-being. The researcher utilized a qualitative research approach. A non-probability purposive sample was employed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants. Two participants were male and five were female. All participants had developed a bond with their dog and were able to speak English fluently. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Results demonstrate that having a human-companionate dog bond can enhance an individual's psychological well-being. Themes identified demonstrate that a human-companionate dog bond can enhance physical health, relational well-being, and mental health. This bond also fulfils specific individual needs which enhance psychological well-being. Limitations of the study and recommendations for further research are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
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