Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

TLDR

Animal‑assisted therapy has long been practiced, and recent research seeks to establish its efficacy. This study aims to provide the first quantitative review of AAT research. The authors systematically searched the literature, screened 250 studies, and included 49 in a meta‑analysis. The meta‑analysis found moderate effect sizes for AAT across autism‑spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems, and emotional well‑being, with no evidence that participant or study characteristics moderated outcomes. AAT appears promising as an adjunct to existing interventions, warranting further research into optimal conditions.

Abstract

ABSTRACTAnimal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been practiced for many years and there is now increasing interest in demonstrating its efficacy through research. To date, no known quantitative review of AAT studies has been published; our study sought to fill this gap. We conducted a comprehensive search of articles reporting on AAT in which we reviewed 250 studies, 49 of which met our inclusion criteria and were submitted to meta-analytic procedures. Overall, AAT was associated with moderate effect sizes in improving outcomes in four areas: Autism-spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems, and emotional well-being. Contrary to expectations, characteristics of participants and studies did not produce differential outcomes. AAT shows promise as an additive to established interventions and future research should investigate the conditions under which AAT can be most helpful.Keywords: AATanimal-assisted therapymeta-analysis