Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis

Souter, M A and Miller, M D

Anthrozoos (2007) 20: 167–180

DOI: 10.2752/175303707x207954

Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for reducing depressive symptoms in humans. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to demonstrate random assignment, include a comparison/control group, use AAA or AAT, use a self-report measure of depression, and report sufficient information to calculate effect sizes, a statistical standardization of the strength of a treatment effect. Five studies were identified for analysis. The aggregate effect size for these studies was of medium magnitude and statistically significant, indicating that AAA/AAT are associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This analysis revealed gaps in the research on AAA/AAT, which we attempted to identify in order to better understand the factors that make AAA and AAT effective at reducing depression.

Citation

Souter, M. A., & Miller, M. D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoos, 20(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303707x207954 Primates, [Indexed using CAB Thesaurus terms], animals, Chordata, eukaryotes, mammals, vertebrates, Hominidae, Homo, man, therapeutics, therapy, Pets and Companion Animals [LL070], human diseases, anthrozoology, depression, Human Health and Biology (General) [VV000], Non-communicable Human Diseases and Injuries [VV600], psychiatry, psychotherapy

Keywords

• Primates
• [Indexed using CAB Thesaurus terms]
• animals
• Chordata
• eukaryotes
• mammals
• vertebrates
• Hominidae
• Homo
• man
• therapeutics
• therapy
• Pets and Companion Animals [LL070]
• human diseases
• anthrozoology
• depression
• Human Health and Biology (General) [VV000]
• Non-communicable Human Diseases and Injuries [VV600]
• psychiatry
• psychotherapy