Review Article
Effects of Interactions With Animals On Human Psychological Distress
Molly K. Crossman,
Corresponding Author
Molly K. Crossman
Yale University
Please address correspondence to: Molly K. Crossman, Department of Psychology, Yale University, Box 208205, New Haven, CT, 06520–8205. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMolly K. Crossman,
Corresponding Author
Molly K. Crossman
Yale University
Please address correspondence to: Molly K. Crossman, Department of Psychology, Yale University, Box 208205, New Haven, CT, 06520–8205. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorThis paper is based on a paper prepared as part of the requirements for the doctoral degree in psychology at Yale University. Professors Alan Kazdin, Laurie Santos, and Wendy Silverman provided helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper.
Abstract
Context
Human–animal interaction (HAI) is widely used as a method of reducing psychological distress. However, research findings in support of HAI have not kept pace with the widespread prevalence in practice.
Objective
I review and synthesize the quantitative evidence for the influence of HAI on psychological distress and outline future directions for research.
Results
The evidence suggests that HAI has a small-to-medium effect on distress but does not clarify whether animals account for the treatment effects. Research also has not determined whether positive effects observed in circumscribed HAI programs extend to companion animal ownership.
Conclusion
HAI research needs to address methodological limitations and expand the focus beyond treatment outcome studies. By increasing our understanding of the processes through which HAI reduces distress, the circumstances under which it is most effective at doing so, and the influence HAI has on the animals, we can enhance the impact of HAI.
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