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Research Question: What are the experiences and feelings of people that have had a positive AAT relationship, as to why the relationship between human and animal is so successful?

Chapter IV: Expected Results

Anticipated themes that may emerge from the distillation of concepts from the narratives or observations of human experiences include: reduction of anxiety, attachment theory and comfortability, and social mediation. These are also the themes that did emerge from the literature that has been reviewed for this study. Through semi-structured open-ended interview questions and the conducted literature review, themes and patterns of anxiety reduction, attachment theory/comfortability, and social mediation were found. By utilizing a qualitative study that included narrative data and human experience, it allows for participants of AAT programs to share their lived experiences through research. Rather than behaviors just being observed, narratives and human experiences allow for in-depth and further explanations to the participants lived experiences with AAT programs.

            In previously reviewed literature, the main benefits discovered of AAT included social skills, an increase in language and communication, an increase in motor skills and mobility, psychological and emotional effects, sensory integration, decrease in aggressive behaviors, as well as companionship. Social skills have been known as a major benefit because animals have been known to bring comfort and security to individuals, which makes them more relaxed around strangers and peers, increasing their social interaction (Crowe, Perea-Burns, Sedillo, Hendrix, & Winkle, 2014). This contributes to the theme of comfortability and attachment. Walsh (2009) included in his literature that animals become an attachment for humans as well, which contributes to increasing their social behavior. Having an animal with you in public, like a dog, also makes that individual that is with the dog more approachable to others in the public. More people are prone to approach someone with a dog in public than without a dog, which will increase social interaction for both the participant of AAT and the animal, forming even more of a bond (Fine, 2000). This occurring contributes to the theory of social mediation. The presence of an animal also brings interest and curiosity to things that typically would be avoided, meaning that due to a new feeling of pleasure and self-reinforcement to these activities and things, they are more likely to occur in the future (Fine, 2000). Companionship is another thing that has been provided to participants through AAT programs, and not only companionship for the individuals with the disability but also for their families. The animal, through therapy, becomes a friend to everyone involved.

The literature review has shown us, that through interaction with the animal in AAT, comfort, security, and attachment increases, which helps to increase language, communication, social interaction, mobility, sensory, and decreases aggression. When an individual feels more comfortable and secure in their surroundings, they will almost always excel in whatever they are doing and improve whatever behaviors they are trying to target (Fine, 2000). With the help of animals through AAT this has been made possible, and with the use of narrative data and interviews involving human lived experiences, we are able to prove this.

References

Crowe, T. K., Perea-Burns, S., Sedillo, J. S., Hendrix, I. C., & Winkle, M. (2014). Effects

of partnerships between people with mobility challenges and service dogs. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(2), p. 194-202.

Fine, A. H. (2000). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and

Guidelines for Practice. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

Walsh, F. (2009). Human-animal bonds I: the relational significance of companion

animals. Family Process, 48(4), p. 462-480.

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